When leaving for vacation for an extended period, it's essential to find a balance between energy efficiency and protecting your home and belongings from extreme temperatures. Given that it's July and there are no animals in the house, here are some thoughts on setting your air conditioning temperature:
Set it around 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.5 degrees Celsius): Setting the temperature around 85 degrees Fahrenheit is a good compromise between keeping your home reasonably cool and saving energy. It's warm enough to prevent excessive energy consumption but still lower than the outdoor temperature, helping to minimize any potential heat-related issues inside the house.
Consider humidity: In some climates, high humidity levels can lead to mold growth and other issues. If you're in a humid area, you might want to set the temperature a bit lower (around 80 degrees Fahrenheit) to help control humidity levels inside your home.
Energy savings: While turning off the AC altogether might save more energy, it can lead to a significant increase in indoor temperatures, especially during hot summer days. Extremely high temperatures can potentially damage certain items in your home, such as electronics, furniture, and perishable food.
Programmable thermostat: If you have a programmable thermostat, you can set it to raise the temperature during the day when you're not home and lower it in the evening when you return. This allows you to strike a balance between comfort and energy savings.
Considerations for certain items: If you have specific items in your house that are sensitive to heat, such as musical instruments, artwork, or certain medications, you might want to consider their temperature requirements and adjust the setting accordingly.
Security: While setting the temperature higher is advisable, be cautious about making it too warm, as extremely high temperatures can make your home uncomfortable and may not be suitable for items like plants or some electronics.
Overall, setting the air conditioning temperature to around 85 degrees Fahrenheit or a bit lower is a good starting point for your vacation period. It will help conserve energy while still providing some cooling effect to maintain a reasonable indoor environment. If you have any concerns about specific items in your home or the local climate, you may want to consult a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to check on your house periodically during your absence.