Summer is just around the corner and families across the United States are planning their summer vacations. But did you know you can actually save money while you are away? Well, Tower Equipment Company is here to help you be more energy efficient this vacation season.

Naturally, most people think to turn everything off in their home when leaving for vacation including the air conditioner.  But this may not be the smartest plan for your home for many reasons such as:

• Humidity – If you live in a place with high humidity and high temperatures, leaving your home to bake can cause some serious damage. The Steam build up from humidity can cause drywall, sheetrock, and wood can warp long with causing wallpaper to peel around the edges. Humidity also promotes a climate for mold growth which is a hazard to your families health. Heat takes a toll on artwork and other antiques in your home so this is something to consider when hitting the off switch on your air conditioning unit.
• Pets – This summer temperature can reach as high as 90 degrees and without a cooling system your home can become an oven. Whether you are leaving any dogs, cats, or other mammals in your home, pets can only withstand so much heat. Even with someone coming in and checking on them your pets can still be in danger. Keep your pets safe and consider adding five degrees to your usual thermostat setting to decrease your energy use but protect your pets from overheating.
• House Plants – The Environmental Protection Agency actually suggests if you are leaving houseplants behind to set your temperature to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This will preserve your plants and save you money when you are gone. Not to mention you will spend less to cool your home down when you return.

With these facts considered it is better to turn the temperature in your home up a couple degrees then turning it off completely when leaving for Vacation. You will save money and there is the added convenience of coming home to a comfortable home which is the number one reason to leave it running.

The easiest way to come home to the temperature you and your family enjoy is to invest in a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats allow you to have set times for set temperatures. For example, you will have a set time when you leave for work so the temperature of your home increases thus saving you money. You will also have a set time for your comfort zone temperature which goes into effect half an hour before you come home so you always come home to comfort.  Or in this case of you being on vacation, you will set the temperature to run the duration of time you are gone and go back to your comfort zone an hour or two before you return so you can come home to the temperature you enjoy. Already have a programmable thermostat and want to learn how you can use it more efficiently? Click Here!

There are also Smart Wi-Fi Thermostats that are becoming the new standard in homes across the globe. They allow you to adjust your temperature on the go from your smartphone or tablet. This allows you to maintain the temperature you please where ever you are so you can go from saving money to coming home to comfort whenever you please.

If you are interested in upgrading your system to a Programmable Thermostat or a smart Wi-Fi Thermostat before your Summer Vacation Contact Tower Today and our experts will be more than happy to help you find the best fit for you!