Vacation-Proof Your Home: How to Keep Cooling Costs Down While You’re Away This Summer

June 12, 2026 | Uncategorized

Summer vacation is a time to relax, recharge, and get away from everyday responsibilities. Before you head to the airport or pack up the car, however, it’s worth taking a few simple steps to make sure your home’s cooling system is ready for your absence.

Many homeowners make the mistake of either leaving their air conditioner running at normal settings or shutting it off completely. Neither approach is ideal. The good news is that with a little planning, you can keep your home protected from excessive heat and humidity while reducing unnecessary energy costs.

Here’s what to do before, during, and after your vacation to keep your home comfortable and your cooling bills under control.

Before You Leave: Prepare Your Home and HVAC System

1. Adjust Your Thermostat

One of the easiest ways to save energy while you’re away is to raise your thermostat setting.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 10% annually on heating and cooling costs by adjusting thermostat settings 7 to 10 degrees from their normal temperature for about eight hours per day. While vacation savings will vary depending on the length of your trip and local weather conditions, raising the temperature while you’re away can significantly reduce air conditioning costs.

If you typically keep your home at 74°F, consider setting the thermostat between 82°F and 85°F while you’re gone. This helps reduce energy consumption while still controlling humidity and protecting your home’s contents.

2. Use a Smart Thermostat

If your home has a smart thermostat, take advantage of vacation mode features. ENERGY STAR reports that certified smart thermostats save homeowners an average of about 8% on heating and cooling costs annually.

Many systems allow you to:

Monitor temperatures remotely
Adjust settings from your phone
Receive maintenance alerts
Resume comfortable temperatures before you return home

A smart thermostat can help ensure you’re not cooling an empty house while still maintaining safe indoor conditions.

3. Change Your Air Filter

A dirty air filter restricts airflow and forces your cooling system to work harder.

Before leaving, inspect your HVAC filter and replace it if needed. A clean filter helps improve efficiency, supports better airflow, and reduces strain on your system during the hottest months of the year.

If you’re unsure whether your system is operating efficiently, scheduling a professional cooling inspection before summer travel can help identify potential issues before they become expensive repairs.

Learn more about Best-1’s professional cooling services here: Cooling Services.

4. Close Blinds and Curtains

Sunlight streaming through windows can dramatically increase indoor temperatures.

Before leaving:

Close blinds on south- and west-facing windows
Pull curtains shut
Consider lowering shades throughout the home

Blocking solar heat gain helps your air conditioner maintain temperature more efficiently and reduces cooling demand.

5. Unplug Unnecessary Electronics

Many electronics continue drawing power even when turned off.

Before leaving, unplug:

TVs
Gaming systems
Desktop computers
Small kitchen appliances
Chargers

This reduces phantom energy usage and eliminates additional heat sources inside the home.

While You’re Away: Protect Your Home Without Overcooling

Don’t Turn the Air Conditioner Off Completely

Many homeowners assume shutting the system off entirely is the best way to save money.

In reality, allowing indoor temperatures to soar can create problems including:

Excess humidity
Mold growth
Warped wood flooring
Damage to furniture
Stress on electronics

Experts generally recommend maintaining indoor temperatures between 80°F and 85°F during summer vacations rather than turning cooling systems off altogether.

The goal is to reduce cooling costs while still protecting your home and belongings.

Monitor Your Home Remotely

If you have a smart thermostat or home monitoring system, periodically check:

Indoor temperature
Humidity levels
HVAC alerts

Many smart home systems can notify you if temperatures rise unexpectedly, allowing you to address problems before returning home.

Ask a Neighbor to Keep an Eye on Things

A trusted friend or neighbor can:

Pick up mail
Check for power outages
Watch for signs of HVAC issues
Ensure exterior units remain clear of debris

Having someone periodically check on your property can provide peace of mind during extended trips.

When You Return: Bring Your Home Back to Comfort Efficiently

Resist the Urge to Crank the Thermostat Down

After returning from vacation, many homeowners immediately lower the thermostat several degrees below their desired temperature.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t cool the home faster.

Your air conditioner works at the same rate regardless of how low the thermostat is set. Setting the temperature dramatically lower only causes the system to run longer, wasting energy.

Instead:

Set the thermostat to your normal comfort level
Allow the system to cool the home gradually
Be patient as temperatures stabilize

Inspect Your Cooling System

After extended operation during hot weather, take a few minutes to check:

Air filters
Supply vents
Outdoor condenser unit
Thermostat operation

If your system struggles to cool the home after your return, it may be time for professional service.

Common warning signs include:

Warm air from vents
Uneven temperatures
Unusual noises
High indoor humidity
Increased energy bills

Schedule Maintenance If Needed

Summer places significant demands on HVAC equipment. If you notice any performance issues, scheduling service early can prevent more costly repairs later in the season.

Professional maintenance can help:

Improve energy efficiency
Extend equipment life
Reduce breakdown risk
Lower operating costs
Improve indoor comfort

Best-1’s cooling experts can inspect your system, identify potential concerns, and help ensure reliable performance throughout the summer months.

A Little Preparation Can Deliver Big Savings

Vacations are meant to be enjoyable – not a source of surprise utility bills or HVAC headaches.

By adjusting your thermostat, replacing air filters, blocking heat from entering your home, and maintaining appropriate indoor temperatures while you’re away, you can reduce energy consumption and help protect your home.

Even small changes can make a noticeable difference. The Department of Energy estimates that strategic thermostat adjustments alone can reduce annual heating and cooling costs by up to 10%.

Before your next summer getaway, take a few minutes to prepare your home. Your air conditioner – and your wallet – will thank you.

Need help getting your cooling system vacation-ready? Contact Best-1 to schedule professional cooling maintenance and ensure your home stays comfortable all summer long.

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Statistics from the U.S. Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR:

DOE: Homeowners can save up to 10% annually on heating and cooling costs by adjusting thermostat settings 7-10°F for about eight hours per day. (The Department of Energy’s Energy.gov)
ENERGY STAR estimates smart thermostats save approximately 8% on heating and cooling bills annually. (ENERGY STAR)
DOE recommends raising the thermostat while away and keeping temperatures around 85°F during summer vacations to protect the home while reducing energy use. (American Standard®)