Heading on Holiday? Don’t Forget to Prep Your AC
The Sunshine Coast summer is prime time for beach getaways and family holidays. But while you’re off enjoying Noosa, the Whitsundays, or an overseas escape, your home’s climate still needs a little attention.
Turning your air conditioner off completely might seem like the obvious way to save energy — but in our humid subtropical climate, that can actually do more harm than good.
Here’s how to set your air conditioning system the smart way while you’re away, so you can:
- Avoid returning to a mouldy, musty home
- Keep your system running efficiently
- Prevent wear and tear
- Protect your belongings from excess heat or moisture
🌴 Why Humidity Matters on the Sunshine Coast
Humidity is the sneaky villain in many summer horror stories. When left unchecked for a week or more, high moisture levels can lead to:
- Mould growth on walls, ceilings, clothes and soft furnishings
- Musty odours in closed-up rooms
- Warped timber floors or cabinetry
- Health risks for allergy sufferers
Your air conditioner doesn’t just cool — it also acts as a dehumidifier. Running it at a moderate level while you’re away helps prevent humidity-related issues from building up.
🕒 Set Your AC Timer the Smart Way
Nearly all modern air conditioners — including Daikin, Toshiba, and Haier systems — come with timer settings or smart control apps. Here’s how to use them when you’re not home:
Recommended Holiday Settings:
- Temperature: 24–26°C (for cooling mode)
- Timer: Program the system to run during the hottest/humidest part of the day (usually midday to early afternoon)
- Fan mode: Use low to medium speed to maintain air movement
- Dry mode: If available, this setting helps maintain low humidity without overcooling
💡 Don’t set the temp too low — it wastes energy and puts unnecessary strain on your system while no one’s there to enjoy it.
🧠 Smart Controller? Even Better.
If your system includes MyAir, Daikin’s smart controller, or another Wi-Fi-enabled setup, you can:
- Remotely adjust your settings if the weather changes
- Turn the system on or off based on real-time data
- Monitor energy use
- Cool the home in advance of your return
No smart controller? Ask us about upgrading your system — it’s a game-changer for modern AC use and remote home management.
✅ Checklist: Pre-Holiday AC Prep
Before you lock up and head to the airport or highway, run through this quick list:
| Task | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Clean or replace filters | Ensures airflow is efficient and fresh on return |
| Set moderate temp & timer | Balances energy use and humidity control |
| Close blinds and curtains | Reduces heat load inside the home |
| Leave internal doors open | Allows airflow between rooms |
| Check condensate drain (if DIY-savvy) | Prevents overflow or blockages while away |
| Book a service (if overdue) | Prevents unexpected breakdowns mid-summer |
🧽 Bonus tip: Unplug other appliances you’re not using — fridges, TVs, and small devices — for extra energy savings and safety.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Turn It Off Completely
We understand the temptation to hit “off” and walk out the door — especially with electricity prices rising. But here’s what might happen:
- Humidity builds up fast in tightly sealed homes
- Mould thrives in warm, still air
- Air con may need to work overtime on your return to rebalance temperature and moisture
- You’ll come home to that stale, sticky air feeling
Instead, keep your AC ticking over in low-power, low-output mode to maintain a healthy indoor environment.
🏠 Returning Home? Ease the System Back In
After a week or more of minimal use, give your system a gentle restart:
- Open windows briefly to ventilate the home
- Switch from timer to auto mode
- Gradually reduce the temp to your desired comfort level
- Listen for any strange noises — if something seems off, call us to inspect
Trust The Cool Shop for AC Expertise You Can Rely On
Whether you’re heading away for a few days or several weeks, The Cool Shop is here to help Sunshine Coast locals get the best from their air conditioners — before, during, and after the holidays.
We offer:
✅ System servicing and inspections
✅ Smart controller installations (MyAir, Daikin, MyPlace)
✅ Filter cleans and replacements
✅ Ducted and split system advice tailored to your home
Book Pre-Holiday Servicing or Ask About Smart AC Upgrades
📍 2/3–5 Runway Drive, Marcoola
📞 (07) 5450 5000
💻 Book online at thecoolshop.com.au/contact
Whether you’re escaping to the beach, the bush, or overseas — you can trust your AC to keep things comfy at home while you’re away.
