Should You Turn Your AC Off When You Leave Your Home?

Maintaining comfortable temperatures inside our homes is a priority, especially during extreme weather conditions in the Broomfield or Westminster Colorado area. It’s no secret that air conditioning plays a vital role in keeping the indoor temperature bearable.

However, there's always that lingering question of whether or not we need to turn off our AC unit when we’re not at home. As a homeowner, it’s essential to think about the benefits and drawbacks of shutting down your AC before stepping out.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of turning off the AC unit when you’re leaving your home.

Pros of Turning Off Your AC

Cost Savings: One of the most significant advantages of turning off your AC is reducing your energy costs significantly. Depending on the size of your home and the age of your HVAC system, you can save up to 10% on your monthly electricity bill.

Reduced Maintenance: When you turn off your AC, your HVAC system won't be running for hours on end, which means reduced wear and tear. A well-maintained AC unit can last up to 20 years, and reducing its runtime will help extend its lifespan.

Environmental Impact: Energy conservation plays a crucial role in protecting the planet. By turning off your AC when not needed, you reduce the amount of energy consumed and minimize your carbon footprint.

Cons of Turning Off Your AC

Indoor Temperature: Turning off your AC unit will allow the temperature inside your home to rise, which may cause discomfort and inconvenience. You don't want to come home to a steaming, stuffy hotbox, especially during summer months.  Getting your home back down to a comfortable temperature will take more time than if you had just raised the temperature by 5-8 degrees.

Humidity: High humidity levels breed mold and mildew, which can compromise your home's indoor air quality. By turning off your AC, you run the risk of increased humidity levels in your home, which can result in property damage and health issues.

Increased Energy Consumption: Turning off your AC won't automatically reduce your energy bills. In fact, you may even use more energy to cool your home back down after it heats up.  If you’re turning off your AC during peak hours, when you're likely using other appliances like the fridge, washing machine, or even leaving lamps and TVs on, then you aren't actually saving energy. You could also end up consuming more energy than if you left your AC on in the first place.

Alternatives to Turning Off Your AC

If you're hesitant to turn off your AC when you leave your home, there are alternatives you could consider. One option is to set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you leave instead of turning it off entirely. This way, you're still conserving energy while keeping the temperature at a level that won't harm electronics or perishables.

Another option is to invest in a programmable thermostat that can regulate the temperature at different times throughout the day. This way, you can keep your home at a comfortable temperature when you're home while reducing energy usage when you're away.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the decision to turn off your AC when you're leaving your home depends on specific factors. If you're looking to save money and reduce your energy bills, and you’re confident your AC unit won't cause indoor air quality or temperature problems, then go ahead and power it down.

However, if you're concerned about humidity, indoor air quality, and discomfort, it's best to keep your AC running, but at higher temperatures. Your best bet is to purchase a programmable thermostat that allows you to set the temperature at a higher rate while you're away and lower it before you return home. With this, you can enjoy cost savings while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

Contact Craig Plumbing, Heating and Cooling for any questions or a maintenance check of your air conditioning.