Whether you’re planning a trip away from Tampa Bay or are a Snowbird heading back North for a few months, turning off your A/C is one of the more costly errors you can make as far as mold is concerned.
When leaving home for an extended period, it’s tempting to turn off the air conditioner entirely to save money.
And in many parts of the country, that’s fiscally smart and eco-friendly.
But in Florida, turning off the AC too long is one of the most expensive mistakes a homeowner can make.
We see the aftermath of this decision several times per year here at Mold Solutions.
Here’s why your AC must stay on while you’re away, and how to set it correctly to protect your home while avoiding unnecessarily high electrical bills.
Your A/C’s #1 Job in Florida is Dehumidification
Most people think of their air conditioner merely as a cooling system.
As far as the needs and health of your home, your AC’s most important job is actually dehumidification, especially in Florida.
Our tropical climate means outdoor humidity levels regularly soar above 80% or 90%. Without an active AC system to pull that moisture out of the air, the inside of your home will quickly match the outside environment. Once the relative humidity inside your home stays above about 50 – 60%, for more than 24 to 48 hours, mold spores begin to colonize.
The “Mold Bloom” Phenomenon
When you turn off the AC, the air becomes stagnant and heavy with moisture. This leads to what we call a “Mold Bloom.”
Unlike a small leak that causes mold in one corner, a mold bloom happens when spores settle on every organic surface in the house simultaneously. When you return home, you might find a fine layer of white or green “fuzz” covering:
- Your leather sofas and shoes.
- The backs of your wooden furniture.
- Your entire wardrobe in the closet.
- Drywall and baseboards.
A mold bloom often requires professional remediation for the entire property, which costs significantly more than what you would have saved on your power bill.
What to Do Instead While You’re Away
You don’t need to keep your home at a chilly 72 degrees while you’re gone, but you do need to keep the air moving and the moisture out. Here is the professional recommendation from the Mold Solutions team:
1. Set the Temperature to 78°F – 82°F
Setting your thermostat to 78°F or 80°F is the “sweet spot.” It is high enough to save money, but low enough that the system will kick on frequently enough to strip moisture from the air. We do not recommend going above 82°F in the Tampa Bay area.
2. Keep the Fan on “Auto”
Never leave your thermostat fan setting on “On.” This keeps the fan blowing even when the cooling cycle is off, which can actually blow moisture back into your home from the wet evaporator coils. Always use the “AUTO” setting.
3. Clear Your Drain Line
Before you leave, pour a little bit of vinegar down your AC condensate drain line to ensure it’s clear. If the line clogs while you are away, the system’s safety switch will shut the AC off entirely to prevent a flood—leaving your home defenseless against humidity.
4. Invest in a Smart Thermostat or Humidistat
If you travel frequently, a smart thermostat (like a Nest or Ecobee) is a lifesaver. It allows you to monitor your home’s temperature and humidity levels from your phone anywhere in the world. If you see the humidity spike above 60%, you can lower the temperature remotely to trigger a cooling cycle.
5. Keep Interior Doors Open
Leave bedroom and closet doors open to allow for maximum airflow. Stagnant air in a closed closet is a prime breeding ground for mold on clothing and suitcases.
Already Returned Home to a Mold Bloom or a Musty Smell?
If you’ve returned to your Tampa Bay home after a trip and noticed a damp, earthy odor—or worse, visible growth on your furniture—don’t wait. A mold bloom can spread deep into your HVAC system and upholstery very quickly.
Mold Solutions specializes in rapid, professional mold testing and remediation. We’ll help you get your home back to a healthy, breathable state so you can enjoy your return home.
Contact us today at moldsolutions.com for a Free Environmental Consultation—or immediate emergency service.
