To keep homes cool, many people experience a sharp increase in their utility bills during the summer because of a rise in A/C usage. One of the most widely debated topics among professionals and homeowners is whether to leave the A/C on or off while leaving the house. While there are arguments to be made on both sides about energy efficiency, there are some scenarios where the solution isn’t so black and white.
Leaving the A/C On
There are two main arguments regarding leaving the A/C on, one concerning energy efficiency and the other concerning comfort. Generally, it takes more energy to cool down a home at a hot temperature than to maintain a consistent temperature.
When you turn the A/C off when you leave the house, the temperature in your home will inevitably go up, making your HVAC system work harder when you turn it back on again, using more energy in the long term. Many people also leave their A/C on to keep plants and pets comfortable. If you have a pet that must be left at home during the day, most pet owners will keep the air on to prevent animals from overheating. Additionally, if you have any pets that require a cooler temperature to survive, leaving the A/C on will ensure they are always in the climate they need to live in.
Turning the A/C Off
The main argument for turning the A/C off is to keep your utility bills down and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. Turning off your A/C when you are not using it will lower your utility costs—in fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that turning off A/C can save you up to 10% on your energy bills. Leaving it on could also lead to higher carbon emissions. Additionally, running the A/C constantly could strain your HVAC unit, leading to more repairs over time and reducing the overall lifespan of your system. Turning the A/C off when you leave the house will keep the system from experiencing too much wear and tear!
The Best Solution
Though both sides have valid arguments, the best solution depends on several factors. We recommend turning your A/C off to help you save energy and lower your utility costs but review your needs to make the best decision for you. Look at our recommendations for these common scenarios:
- If you’re leaving your home for the day, leave the A/C on.
- If you’re leaving your home for more than two days at a time, turn the A/C off.
- If you live in a warmer climate, consider leaving the A/C on but turning it to a higher temperature to increase energy efficiency.
- If you live in a cooler climate or have a particularly energy-efficient thermostat, turn the A/C off.
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Sources:
https://temperatureproorlando.com/best-temperature-to-set-your-ac-while-away-winter-park/#:~:text=According%20to%20Energy%20Star%2C%20a,re%20sleeping%20to%20conserve%20energy.
https://home.howstuffworks.com/green-living/should-turn-ac-up.htm
