Leeds, AL – HVAC Question – Should You Turn Your AC Off When Leaving Your Home?

According to Energy Star, the average household spends about $2,000 per year on energy costs. That’s more than a month’s total income for an individual earning minimum wage. If you are like many families looking to reduce energy costs, you might think it’s good to turn off the AC when you aren’t home. Many people believe the same information. The truth is, leaving the AC on when you leave home is usually the more efficient option.

Leave the AC Turned On

If you turn off the AC when you leave home, you’ll likely use more energy than you would have by leaving the unit turned on. There are several reasons for this.

The air conditioner cools the home but also helps control humidity levels. When the AC is turned off, neither of these things happens until it’s turned on and working again. This results in a hot, humid home that takes much longer to cool down. The AC will need to cycle on for a longer period to achieve the comfortable temperatures you want. This increases energy consumption and cost and may impose wear and tear on the AC.

In the meantime, everyone in the home swelters from the heat while waiting for the house to cool down. They experience the misery of sticky heat and humidity in one punch, and no matter where they go, they cannot escape its grasp!

Install a Programmable Thermostat

To save energy and maintain comfortable temperatures in the house, consider installing a programmable thermostat. This thermostat allows you to control its operation according to your schedule. Programmable thermostats save as much as 30% on your annual energy costs.

HVAC Tune-Up in Birmingham

Schedule an HVAC tune-up if you haven’t done so this year. Experts agree that annual HVAC maintenance reduces system breakdown and wear and tear, thus saving money since you won’t need costly repairs.

Open the Windows

Open windows on days when the temperatures outside are comfortable. You’ll give the AC a much-needed break and save money on your energy costs. Just as important, you reduce indoor air pollutants and can also eliminate odors.

Absolute Air offers a wide array of services, including, but not limited to, AC installation, AC repair, heating installation, heating repair, digital thermostat installation, metal fabrication (for all types of ductwork), refrigeration, and gas line installation. Our trained team of technicians can also service and work on equipment brands such as American Standard, Train, Carrier, York, Goodman, Rudd, and Mitsubishi, to name a few. 

If you have a service request not mentioned here, give us a call.