Winter has come to Gold Coast and nights are getting colder than usual. You might want to keep your home warm nonstop but what about when you have to go outside for a few days? Should you turn your AC up when you’re not home to keep things comfortable or is that just a waste of energy? Let’s break it down.
Should you turn your AC up when you’re not home for a day or weekend
Yes, but with a few things to keep in mind.
Instead of turning the system off, set it a few degrees higher (around 25–27°C). This helps your home stay cool and stops the AC from overworking when you return.
Leaving it on also controls humidity. That helps prevent mold, musty smells, and damage to wood or electronics – especially on cold Gold Coast nights.
If you have pets or sensitive devices at home, it’s even more important to keep the AC running at a moderate setting. So for short trips, a higher setting saves energy and protects your space.
What to do if you’re leaving home for a longer period
If you’re leaving home for more than a couple of days and no one’s staying home, not even pets, it’s recommended to turn the AC off. It is the most energy-efficient option and will help lower your power bill while you’re away.
But you should keep in mind that coming home to a hot, stuffy house isn’t comfortable. If you want to avoid that, you can use a smart thermostat to turn the AC up before leaving and start cooling things down again right before you return.
Also, don’t forget to close the curtains before you go. Blocking out the sun helps your home stay cooler naturally, so your AC doesn’t have to work as hard when you turn it back on.
Should you keep the AC on or turn it off when you’re at home?
Avoid switching the AC on and off too often. It stresses the system and lowers efficiency over time.
Frequent changes in temperature can also affect your health. It’s harder on young kids, older adults, or anyone sensitive to heat and cold. Constant shifts can cause headaches, fatigue, or even breathing problems.
If you’re out for over 30 minutes, turn it off to save energy. But if you’re stepping out for less than 30 minutes, keep it on. Set it to 28°C and lower the fan speed to stay cool with less power.
Next time you’re heading out, consider to turn your AC up when you’re not home, based on how long you’ll be away. And if you haven’t installed your system yet, DEEPCHILL, a trusted agency in air conditioning Gold Coast offers installation services that makes it easy to get started with energy-saving comfort!
