Vacation Prep: Don’t Forget Your Thermostat Settings

As you prepare for that long-awaited vacation, it’s easy to focus on packing, pet-sitting, and securing the house — but don’t overlook one critical detail: your thermostat settings.

At Hal Watson Air Conditioning Company, we often see homeowners make two common mistakes before leaving town:

1. Turning the thermostat up to 85–90°F, or

2. Shutting the system off completely to “save money.”

While both seem logical at first glance, they can lead to serious problems — especially in our hot, humid Texas climate.

What Could Go Wrong?

Humidity Buildup
Without the occasional operation of your AC, indoor humidity can climb rapidly. High humidity creates ideal conditions for mold and mildew, which can affect your walls, furniture, and closets.

Unpleasant Odors
Stagnant air mixed with moisture — especially if laundry, trash, or pet odors are present — can result in a musty smell that’s hard to shake when you return.

Damage to Surfaces and Electronics
Elevated temperatures and excess humidity can damage wooden furniture, warp flooring, and interfere with the performance of your electronics.

Increased Energy Use Upon Return
When your home becomes excessively hot while you're away, your AC system has to work overtime to bring the temperature back down — increasing wear and tear and leading to a spike in your energy bill.

The Ideal Thermostat Settings While You’re Away

To keep your home protected and your energy use in check, we recommend the following:

• Set the thermostat to 78–82°F

• Use the “Away” or “Eco” mode if you have a smart thermostat

• Set your fan to “Auto,” not “On” — this helps control humidity without overworking your system

This setting helps maintain a dry environment, prevents mold growth, and still reduces energy use compared to your typical home setting of 72–75°F.

Bonus Tip

If you have a smart thermostat, program it to start cooling your home 2–3 hours before your return. That way, you’ll walk into comfort instead of a sauna.

Need help prepping your system before vacation? The experienced technicians at Hal Watson Air Conditioning Company are just a call away.

Hal Watson Air Conditioning Co.
📍 518 Alana Lane, Spring, TX 77386
📞 (281) 315-9834
License: #TACLA22632C – Texas

Let us help you stay cool, comfortable, and worry-free — no matter where your travels take you.

Hal Watson Air Conditioning Company, Inc.

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