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Running your air conditioner in the summer is necessary for indoor comfort, yet the system’s energy consumption can increase your energy bills. If you’re looking to save on monthly utility expenses, you might wonder” Should I turn off the air conditioner when not home?” The answer isn’t as simple as you might think.
Leith Heating & Cooling is home to Elgin’s skilled AC repair technicians who know what it takes to cool your home and keep it cozy without using energy unnecessarily. In our guide below, we explain whether periodically turning off your house’s air conditioner helps with energy efficiency and keeping your residence comfortable.
Will Turning Off Your Air Conditioning Unit Save You Money?
Before answering the question “Should I turn off the air conditioner when I’m not home?” it helps to understand how air conditioning systems work. A common misconception about them is that they have to work harder and consume more energy to reach the desired temperature after you shut the equipment off.
Your air conditioner won’t overwork itself in that situation. Instead, it will run at its typical speed for a longer period.
Consistently running your air conditioner all day will consume more energy than if you turned it off for part of the day. Running the system less frequently can translate to energy savings.
Can You Improve Your Air Conditioner’s Performance By Shutting It Down?
Another concern about running air conditioning systems constantly is that their components will wear down faster, resulting in more frequent repairs and premature breakdowns. Though it’s possible to wear down your air conditioning unit’s parts prematurely, it usually happens when the system never shuts down.
If you turn the HVAC system off for a few hours before restarting it, you will likely not jeopardize your cooling system or put undue strain on its condenser coils. Allowing the system to run several cycles instead of staying on all the time can result in less wear and tear.
Why Turning Your Air Conditioner Off Isn’t Always Best
Turning off your air conditioner offers some benefits to the equipment and your home’s energy consumption. So why is the answer to “Should I turn off the air conditioner when not home?” no?
The best way to maximize your HVAC system’s energy efficiency is to let your air conditioning unit run on its auto setting and turn the thermostat up a few degrees when you’re not home. Though your system won’t overwork itself if you constantly turn it off and on due to your scheduling, it will run longer to reach and maintain the temperature on the thermostat. That extended period still causes additional energy consumption, which your bills will reflect.
Constantly running your cooling unit can also prevent damage and breakdowns. Since many air conditioner parts move and stop suddenly when the system turns on and off, frequent shutdowns and start-ups make it more likely for the system to short-cycle, which affects the equipment’s performance and energy consumption.
How To Adjust Your Thermostat for Optimal Cooling System Performance
Knowing how to adjust your thermostat is the best way to keep your home comfortable without skyrocketing your energy bills. That means knowing when to turn off the system and when to turn the thermostat up.
When No One’s Home for a Few Hours
If you’re going to work, school, or another outing that’ll leave your house empty for several hours, you shouldn’t turn your air conditioner off to save money. Instead, leave it running on its auto setting so it will cycle on and off naturally, but turn the temperature up a few degrees higher.
This practice will ensure your home is relatively comfortable without excessive humidity when you return. At that point, you can drop the temperature to your desired setting. The air conditioner will reach that temperature more easily than it would if you let the house get hot and balmy for hours.
Be careful not to drop the thermostat’s temperature too low to “speed up” the cooling process. Your air conditioner will run at its normal pace but for a longer time, resulting in more energy consumption.
When No One’s Home for a Few Days
The best time to turn off your air conditioner to save on energy expenses is when no one will be home for at least two days, including pets. Since no one will be home to benefit from the chilled air in any capacity, it makes sense to turn the HVAC system off until you come back.
When Someone Is Home
If you want to save money on energy bills while you’re home, consider setting your thermostat to 78 degrees during the day and dropping it by a degree or two at night for comfort. The difference in energy costs between a 78-degree thermostat setting and a 72-degree one is about 25%, so it’s good to set the temperature as high as you can stand it to conserve energy.
Why You Should Consider a Programmable Thermostat To Help With Your Air Conditioner’s Energy-Efficiency
Investing in a programmable thermostat is the best way to ensure your home stays comfortable without using too much energy. You can set it according to your schedule so you won’t have to come home to a hot, humid house. Some models also include remote access for adjustments away from home.
Count on Leith Heating & Cooling To Provide the Best HVAC Services in Elgin, IL
You’re not alone if you’re asking questions like “Do old AC units use more electricity?” or “Should I turn off the air conditioner when not home to conserve energy?” We at Leith Heating & Cooling provide Elgin, Illinois’s best heating and cooling services, so we know how to make the most of any HVAC unit.
Our licensed, EPA-certified technicians offer comprehensive services including air conditioner repair, programmable thermostat installation, and indoor air quality products. As the area’s top-rated HVAC contractor, we guarantee your satisfaction—call (847) 565-1568 today for a consultation.