The Short Answer: Don't Turn It Completely Off

It might seem logical to shut your AC off entirely when nobody is home. But in Colorado's dry heat, turning your system completely off can lead to several problems that end up costing more than the energy you saved.

Instead, raise your thermostat to 80-85°F while you're away. Your system will barely run at this setting, but it keeps enough air moving to prevent issues.

Why Turning Off Your AC Completely Is Risky

Humidity and Moisture Damage

Even in Colorado's dry climate, shutting off your AC completely allows moisture to build up inside your home. This can lead to musty smells, mold growth in bathrooms and basements, and warped wood floors or furniture. Your AC doesn't just cool — it dehumidifies.

Your System Works Harder When You Return

If your home heats up to 100°F+ while you're gone, your AC has to work extremely hard to bring it back down. This puts major stress on the compressor and can lead to breakdowns — often right when you walk back in the door exhausted from traveling.

Pets and Plants

If you have pets being checked on by a sitter, or houseplants, extreme indoor heat can be dangerous. Even a few hours at 95°F+ indoors can harm pets and kill plants.

The Best Thermostat Setting for Vacation

Set your thermostat to 80-85°F when leaving for a trip. This saves significant energy while still protecting your home. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, schedule it to start cooling the house back down a few hours before you return.

Pro tip from our NATE Certified techs: If you'll be gone more than a week, close your blinds and curtains before leaving. This can reduce indoor temperatures by 10-15°F and means your AC barely needs to run at all.

More Money-Saving Tips Before You Travel

Beyond adjusting the thermostat, a few simple steps can save you even more while protecting your home while you're away.

Close all blinds and curtains to block solar heat gain. Unplug electronics and appliances that generate heat (TVs, computers, gaming consoles). Make sure all windows and doors are sealed tightly. Check your air filter before you leave — a dirty filter makes your system work harder. If you have a ceiling fan, leave it off since fans cool people, not rooms.

When to Schedule a Tune-Up Before Vacation

The worst time to discover your AC has a problem is right before a trip — or worse, when you come home to a 100-degree house. If you haven't had your system serviced this year, schedule a maintenance visit before your next vacation. Our NATE Certified technicians can catch small issues before they become expensive emergencies.