Leaving for vacation in Arizona’s scorching summer heat? Preparing your air conditioning system before you go is essential to avoid high energy bills, system malfunctions, or returning to a stifling home. With temperatures often soaring above 100°F, your AC plays a crucial role in maintaining a stable indoor environment, even when you’re away.
By adjusting your thermostat, performing basic maintenance, and securing your unit, you can prevent costly repairs and unnecessary energy waste when leave your AC for vacation. This guide will walk you through simple yet effective steps to ensure your AC runs efficiently while you enjoy a worry-free getaway.
Performing Maintenance Tasks Prior to Vacation
Replacing Your Air Filters
Replacing your AC filter before leaving for vacation is a simple but crucial step in maintaining your system’s efficiency. Since your air conditioner will be running less frequently while you’re away, dust and debris will still accumulate, but airflow will be reduced. A clean filter ensures that when the AC does cycle on, it operates efficiently without unnecessary strain. This prevents clogging, improves energy efficiency, and extends the lifespan of your system. Additionally, a fresh filter helps maintain indoor air quality, preventing musty odors and reducing the risk of mold growth in Arizona’s dry but occasionally monsoon-humid summer climate. For a full guide on selecting and replacing filters, check out our article.
Cleaning Both Coils
Cleaning both the evaporator and condenser coils before your vacation helps your AC run more efficiently while reducing the risk of breakdowns. The evaporator coil inside your home absorbs heat, while the outdoor condenser coil releases it. When dust, dirt, or debris accumulate on these coils, your system has to work harder to cool your home, leading to higher energy consumption and potential overheating. Since your AC will be running less frequently while you’re away, any existing buildup could cause inefficiencies or even damage over time. Regular coil cleaning ensures proper heat exchange and keeps your system in top shape. Learn more about cleaning evaporator coils and cleaning condenser coils by checking out our articles about them.
Scheduling Maintenance
If your AC is due for maintenance, scheduling it while you’re on vacation can be a smart move. A professional technician can inspect and service your system without disrupting your daily routine. This ensures your AC is in peak condition when you return. Ideally, book the service a few days before your departure, allowing time for any necessary repairs. If an issue arises, you won’t be stuck in the heat waiting for a fix. Regular maintenance also helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, which is especially crucial in Arizona’s extreme summer temperatures.
Securing The AC Against Weather
Unplugging Electronics
Even when turned off, many electronics generate heat if they remain plugged in. TVs, computers, and kitchen appliances contribute to indoor temperatures, making your AC work harder. Unplugging unnecessary devices before vacation reduces heat buildup, lowers energy consumption, and minimizes the risk of electrical issues while you’re away.
- Entertainment Devices – TVs, gaming consoles, streaming devices, sound systems
- Office Equipment – Computers, monitors, printers, Wi-Fi routers (unless needed for smart home devices)
- Kitchen Appliances – Microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, electric kettles
- Lighting – Unused lamps, decorative lights, nightlights
- Chargers – Phone, laptop, and tablet chargers that aren’t in use
- Other Electronics – Power strips, smart speakers, air purifiers, humidifiers
Unplugging these devices reduces heat buildup, saves energy, and minimizes fire risks while you’re away.
Setting The Thermostat
When leaving for a summer vacation from Arizona, you might be tempted to turn your AC off entirely to save energy. However, this can lead to excessive indoor heat buildup, which can damage furniture, warp wood, and cause electronics to overheat. If you have pets staying behind, maintaining a livable temperature is essential for their health and comfort. Even without pets, high indoor humidity from monsoon season can encourage mold growth, making it crucial to keep some airflow.
Setting your thermostat to 85°F while on vacation can significantly reduce cooling costs, while not compromising on safety. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that for every degree you raise your thermostat over extended periods, you can save about 3–5% on cooling costs. Compared to keeping your home at 75°F, this adjustment can lead to 15–30% savings on your energy bill, depending on factors like insulation and sun exposure. For more detailed guidance on thermostat settings for efficiency and comfort, check out our article on the best thermostat temperatures.
