As summer temperatures rise, many homeowners wonder if they should turn off the air conditioner when nobody is home to save money on the ever-increasing electricity bills. There are a lot of different factors that play into whether turning off the AC is the best choice.
Factors to Consider:
Energy Savings
Turning off the AC while you’re away might seem like a no-brainer for saving on electricity bills. After all, if no one’s home, why cool an empty house? However, the energy savings might not be as significant as you’d expect, especially if your AC has to work extra hard to cool down the house when you return.
Humidity Control
One of the lesser-known roles of your AC is humidity control in your home. When the AC is completely turned off, the humidity in your home can rise, leading to potential problems like mold growth and damage to furniture and your home, especially when it’s turned off for several hours a day throughout the week or for a prolonged period of time, such as for a vacation. Leaving the air conditioner on while you’re away, can help prevent these issues.
Comfort Upon Return
Another issue with turning off your AC completely is that your home can become uncomfortably hot and humid by the time you return. Once the AC is turned back on, it may take quite a while for the AC to bring the temperature down to a comfortable level, especially on a hot day. This might make you more inclined to lower the thermostat even more than you usually would to get it to cool down faster, negating any energy savings.
Wear and Tear on the AC System
Frequent cycling of your AC—turning it off and on—can cause additional wear and tear on the system. When the AC has to work overtime to cool down a hot house, it can lead to increased strain on the unit, potentially shortening its lifespan and leading to costly repairs.
Pros and Cons
Pros of Turning Off the AC
- Energy and Cost Savings: If you’re away for an extended period, turning off the AC can reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bill.
Cons of Turning Off the AC
- Humidity and Air Quality Issues: Without the AC running, humidity levels can rise, potentially leading to mold growth and other issues.
- Increased Wear and Tear: Turning the AC off completely can cause the unit to work harder when it’s turned back on, potentially shortening its lifespan.
- Comfort Delay: Returning to a hot and humid home can be uncomfortable and may lead to setting the thermostat lower, which counteracts any energy savings.
Alternatives to Turning Off the AC Completely
Instead of turning off your AC, consider these alternatives:
Using a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to set a schedule for your AC to run at different temperatures throughout the day. For example, you can set it to run at a higher temperature while you’re away and cool down shortly before you return.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats take things a step further by learning your habits and adjusting the temperature automatically. They can also be controlled remotely via your smartphone, allowing you to make adjustments on the go.
Setting the AC to a Higher Temperature
Instead of turning off the AC completely, consider setting it to a higher temperature while you’re out. This will save energy without causing the AC to work too hard when you return and help to keep humidity levels in check.
As you can see, there are more cons than pros when it comes to turning off the AC when no one is home. For most homeowners, setting the thermostat to a higher temperature or investing in a programmable or smart thermostat are better options.
Call Advanced Air Solutions at 304-395-9867 today!