Is It Smart to Turn Off AC When You Go Away?

Can you reduce monthly energy expenses if you turn off AC while you’re out of the house? In most parts of the country, the cost of running a furnace in winter is higher than the expense of keeping cool with air conditioning in summer. Still, the central AC is a meaningful contributor to a home’s monthly electricity bill.

In summer weather, it might seem logical to turn off the AC completely during long periods when nobody’s home during the day. However, before switching that thermostat setting to “Off,” it might be helpful to consider all the factors involved when you turn off AC.

• An overheated house requires a lot of air conditioning to cool it down to a comfortable temperature again. That’s especially true if the home has been empty and without air conditioning all day long while occupants have been away. Extended AC compressor cycles required to cool the air volume inside a very hot house consume lots of power, and your monthly bills will reflect that fact.
• Studies show that selecting a thermostat setting that is 10 degrees above the normal occupied setting and then letting the air conditioner cycle on and off normally while you’re away can actually be more economical than shutting off the AC completely all day long.
• Indoor humidity is another factor affecting an overheated house. Drier air feels cooler and more comfortable. That’s why extracting humidity from the indoor environment is an integral part of the air-conditioning process. Leaving the AC running while setting the thermostat higher keeps that process going in order to prevent humidity accumulation inside the house. Lower humidity also helps prevent mold growth and mildew, as well as damage to wooden floors and other structures.
• Conversely, if you’re leaving the house but will return in less than four hours, there’s probably not much to be gained by bumping up thermostat settings while you’re away during that very short period of time.

Still wondering if it makes sense to turn off AC during summer heat? Ask the professionals at Jackson & Sons for more information.