Should I Turn My AC Off When I’m Not Home?

Most homeowners assume that shutting off their AC units when they’re not at home can help to reduce cooling costs. After all, what is the point of leaving your air conditioner on when you’re not at home?

While this is a common practice in many homes, there’s a lot of confusion about whether it’s a good idea to shut off the AC when you leave the house.

Here’s what you need to know.

If you plan on being away from home for a few days, it’s completely fine to leave your AC on. However, if you plan on being away for a longer period of time, like four days or longer, it’s a good idea to turn your AC unit completely off.

Will Turning My AC Off Save Money?

Although shutting off your air conditioning when you’re away may seem like a practical way to save money on cooling costs, it can be the opposite in some circumstances. Most times, leaving the house without air conditioning can raise indoor air temperature, making it hard for the AC to lower the temperature once the unit is back on.

When your air conditioner has to work much harder to lower the indoor air temperature, it will use more energy, which will translate to higher electricity bills at the end of the month. Besides, the unnecessary strain can take a heavy toll on the AC’s lifespan, more so if it’s something you do more often.

Furthermore, turning off your AC can make your space more susceptible to humidity, and the unit will have to work harder to control moisture in the house.

Save On Cooling Costs with A Programmable Thermostat

Instead of entirely turning off the AC when you plan on being away from home for a few days, it is advisable to set your thermostat between 78 and 83 degrees to save on electricity costs. You can then lower the thermostat to the preferred temperature once you arrive back home. Doing so will not only help you reduce energy usage, but it will also reduce indoor humidity, protect your home from mold and bugs, and improve indoor comfort.

Need AC Repair or Replacement? Get in Touch with Absolute HVAC Service

Is your AC blowing warm air? Do you smell strange odors when your AC is turned on? Are there strange noises inside your air conditioner? These are warning signs that you need to reach out to a reliable HVAC company to inspect the unit and restore it to perfect working condition.

If you’re in need of AC repair in Cleveland, GA, you can count on Absolute HVAC Service to fix your air conditioner and restore the unit to good working order.

At Absolute HVAC Service, we are a reputable HVAC company with decades of combined experience working with homeowners and businesses and helping them keep their HVAC systems in tip-top shape.