AC On While Travelling

If you are planning to travel for a week or a month, you may ask yourself: Should I turn off my air conditioner to save electricity, or leave it running so I don't return to a hot and humid home?

Some people prefer turning off the AC completely to reduce electricity bills, while others leave it running during their trip because they are worried about humidity and mould, especially in coastal cities such as Jeddah and Dammam.

The answer depends on where you live, how long you will be away and the condition of your home. In most cases, turning off your AC while travelling can help reduce electricity consumption. However, in some homes, especially those with high humidity, you may need to maintain cooling or use a dehumidifier.

Let's understand the difference and when it is better to turn off your AC or keep it running.

DOES TURNING OFF YOUR AC WHILE TRAVELLING SAVE ELECTRICITY?

Yes, in most cases, turning off your AC while travelling saves electricity because there is no need to keep cooling an empty house throughout the day.

Some people believe that switching on the AC after leaving it off for a long time consumes more electricity than keeping it running continuously. However, this is not generally true.

When you leave your AC running, it continues removing heat entering the home through walls, windows and the roof. The bigger the temperature difference between inside and outside, the more cooling your AC needs to provide.

When you turn off the AC, the temperature inside your home gradually increases, but you avoid using electricity to maintain a low temperature throughout your absence.

It is true that your AC will need time and energy to cool the house again when you return. However, this does not mean it will consume more electricity than leaving it running during your entire trip.

This also follows the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center's recommendation to switch off air conditioners when leaving spaces that are not being used.

CAN TURNING OFF YOUR AC WHILE TRAVELLING CAUSE HUMIDITY OR MOULD?

Not necessarily. Turning off your AC does not directly cause mould, but problems can appear if indoor humidity remains high for a long period.

Mould needs moisture to grow and may appear on walls, behind furniture or in areas with limited airflow.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor relative humidity should be kept below 60%, and ideally between 30% and 50% when possible.

Air conditioners help remove some moisture from the air while cooling, but not all AC systems control humidity with the same efficiency.

If your home already has water leaks or continuous humidity problems, leaving your AC running will not solve the main cause.

It is better to measure indoor humidity using a humidity meter and make sure any water leaks are repaired before travelling.

CAN AN AIR PURIFIER REDUCE HUMIDITY AND MOULD?

If you are planning to travel and leave your home closed for a long time, you may consider using an air purifier to maintain indoor air quality. But does it actually help reduce humidity?

An air purifier does not remove moisture from the air. Its main function is to capture dust and airborne particles through filters, while humidity control requires a suitable AC system or dehumidifier.

This difference is important, especially in cities such as Jeddah and Dammam, where indoor air may contain dust and moisture at the same time. Each problem requires a different solution.

Zamil offers a range of air purifiers with filtration systems designed to help reduce dust and airborne particles.

However, remember that an air purifier cannot prevent mould if high humidity continues. It also does not replace the need to fix water leaks or condensation problems.

IS THE ADVICE DIFFERENT FOR RIYADH, JEDDAH AND DAMMAM?

Yes, because weather conditions are different from one city to another, and even between homes in the same city.

RIYADH AND INLAND AREAS

Riyadh is known for high summer temperatures, but the climate is generally drier compared to coastal cities.

If your home does not have humidity problems, turning off your AC while travelling may be a suitable way to reduce electricity consumption.

However, consider items that may be affected by high temperatures, such as certain medicines, electronics or materials that require specific storage temperatures.

JEDDAH AND COASTAL AREAS

In Jeddah, humidity can be one of the main things to consider before travelling.

If humid air enters through windows or ventilation openings, indoor humidity may increase when cooling is switched off, especially if there are other moisture sources inside the home.

In this case, using a suitable humidity control setting or a dehumidifier when needed may be better than keeping the AC running at a low temperature all the time.

DAMMAM, KHOBAR AND THE EASTERN PROVINCE

Some coastal areas in the Eastern Province experience humidity conditions similar to Jeddah.

If you have noticed a damp smell or mould marks after returning from a previous trip, do not depend only on running the AC. Check the source of moisture, ventilation, drainage and insulation.

The important thing is not only which city you live in, but the actual temperature and humidity inside your home.

WHAT IS THE BEST AC TEMPERATURE WHILE TRAVELLING?

Many people ask whether they should leave their AC at 24°C, 26°C or 28°C while away.

There is no single temperature that works for every home.

The Saudi Energy Efficiency Center recommends setting the AC to 24°C for comfortable and energy-efficient cooling while using the room. However, this does not mean you need to maintain the same temperature in an empty house.

If you need to maintain some cooling while away, increasing the thermostat setting will generally reduce how often the AC needs to run compared to keeping it at 24°C.

For homes with humidity problems, do not depend only on temperature. Monitor indoor humidity because reaching a certain room temperature does not always mean the air is dry enough.

If your AC includes a Dry Mode, check the product manual to understand how it works and when it should be used.

CAN RUNNING YOUR AC 24 HOURS A DAY CAUSE PROBLEMS?

Running your AC for long hours does not necessarily cause damage because air conditioners are designed to operate according to cooling demand.

However, continuous operation depends on the type of AC, filter condition, outdoor unit cleanliness, surrounding temperature and maintenance.

If the filters are dirty or the drainage system is blocked, cooling efficiency may be affected and problems can develop over time.

Before travelling, especially if you plan to leave the AC running, make sure the filters are clean and there are no water leaks or unusual noises.

Do not leave an air conditioner with known electrical problems or faults running while nobody is home.

HOW CAN ZAMIL AIR CONDITIONERS AND AIR PURIFIERS HELP WHILE TRAVELLING?

Some air conditioners offer features that help you manage cooling based on your needs, instead of leaving the unit running at the same settings all the time.

REMOTE AC CONTROL

Some Zamil Cooline PRO models include Smart Link WiFi, which provides smart AC control features depending on the model and application.

Remote control through a mobile phone can be useful if you need to change your AC settings while away or start cooling before returning home, for models that support these functions.

INVERTER TECHNOLOGY AND COOLING CONTROL

Some Cooline air conditioners feature InverterX technology, which helps the compressor adjust its capacity according to the room's cooling requirements instead of operating at a fixed capacity.

Certain models also include features such as DrySense and Auto Restart, although the exact function and operation of each feature depend on the specific model.

You can explore Zamil Cooline air conditioners and compare the available features before choosing the right AC for your home.

HOW CAN ZAMIL AIR PURIFIERS HELP MAINTAIN INDOOR AIR QUALITY?

If you are travelling and leaving your home closed for a long time, an air purifier may help reduce dust and airborne particles, especially if your home is affected by dust storms.

However, air purifiers do not remove humidity from your home. Their function is different from an air conditioner or dehumidifier, so choosing the right equipment depends on the problem you want to solve.

Zamil offers air purifiers with different sizes and features depending on the room area.

If you are looking for a purifier for a bedroom or office, the Air Care Mini Air Purifier covers spaces up to 24 m². It includes HEPA and activated carbon filters, three filtration stages and four fan speeds. It also provides an air quality display and a filter replacement indicator.

For larger living rooms or majlis areas, the Air Care Air Purifier covers spaces up to 96 m². It includes Turbo purification mode, an odour sensor and wheels to help move the unit between rooms.

Both models support control through a WiFi application, as well as remote control and a touch screen, giving you more options to manage their operation.

Before travelling, check the filters and follow the manufacturer's instructions about operating the purifier while you are away. If your home has high humidity, do not depend on an air purifier alone. Address the moisture source and use suitable humidity control equipment.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO BEFORE TRAVELLING AND LEAVING YOUR HOME EMPTY?

Before leaving your home, there are a few things you can do to help protect your AC and maintain indoor air quality.

First, make sure your AC filters are clean and there are no water leaks or blocked drainage pipes.

Second, close windows and doors properly to reduce the entry of hot air, humidity and dust, especially during dust storms.

Third, if you live in a coastal area or have experienced humidity problems before, measure your indoor humidity and consider a suitable way to control it while you are away.

Fourth, if you use an air purifier, make sure its filters are clean and the unit is suitable for the room size. Remember that air purification and humidity removal are two different functions.

Finally, if your AC supports remote control, you can use it to adjust cooling before returning home instead of leaving the AC running unnecessarily throughout your trip.

IS IT BETTER TO TURN OFF YOUR AC OR LEAVE IT RUNNING WHILE TRAVELLING?

The right choice depends on your home's needs.

If you live in a dry home without humidity problems or items that require continuous cooling, turning off your AC while travelling will generally help save electricity.

However, if your home has high humidity, it is better to make sure it is controlled properly, whether through air conditioning, a dehumidifier or by fixing the source of the moisture.

If dust is your main concern, an air purifier may help improve indoor air quality, but it does not replace regular cleaning or preventing dust from entering the home.

Before travelling, do not focus only on your AC temperature. Check the condition of your unit, indoor humidity, air quality and weather conditions in your area. This will help you return to a home in good condition without consuming more electricity than necessary.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SHOULD I LEAVE MY AC RUNNING IF I TRAVEL FOR ONE WEEK?

If your home does not have humidity problems and nothing inside requires continuous cooling, you can generally turn off your AC to save electricity. However, if humidity is high, you may need to control it while away.

CAN TURNING OFF MY AC FOR ONE MONTH CAUSE MOULD?

Turning off your AC alone does not cause mould. However, high humidity combined with water leaks or condensation can create conditions where mould may develop.

CAN RUNNING AN AC 24 HOURS A DAY DAMAGE IT?

Not necessarily. Air conditioners are designed to operate for long periods, but maintenance, clean filters and the overall condition of the unit are important for reliable performance.

DOES AN AC USE MORE ELECTRICITY WHEN RESTARTED AFTER A LONG TIME?

It may use additional energy to cool the house after the indoor temperature has increased, but this does not mean leaving it running throughout your absence uses less electricity.

DOES AN AIR PURIFIER REMOVE HUMIDITY FROM A ROOM?

No. An air purifier is designed to remove dust and airborne particles through filters, not moisture from the air. For humidity control, you need a suitable air conditioner or dehumidifier.

CAN I LEAVE AN AIR PURIFIER RUNNING WHILE TRAVELLING?

It depends on the manufacturer's instructions, the condition of the device and its operating features. Keeping it running throughout your trip may not be necessary, especially if the house is closed and there are no continuous sources of indoor air pollution.

CAN I TURN ON MY AC FROM MY PHONE BEFORE RETURNING HOME?

Yes, if your AC supports remote control through WiFi and is properly connected and configured. Always check the features of your specific model and its application.

SHOULD I LEAVE MY AC AT 26°C WHILE TRAVELLING?

It may be suitable for some homes, but it is not a general rule. The right setting depends on indoor temperature, humidity levels, how long you will be away and the type of air conditioning system.