Why Turning Off AC When You're Not Home Is a Must

Professional Services
January 21, 2022

Does a homeowner’s turning off AC when not home really make a difference? Air conditioners use significant amounts of energy, so it seems intuitive that turning off the device when leaving home could save a lot on the monthly utility bill. Is keeping the air conditioner on for long periods of time that inefficient in a closed room, though?


Below, our experienced HVAC contractor in Cedarburg explains whether continuously running the air conditioning is a bad idea and what to do instead.


Six Great Reasons For Turning Off AC When Not Home


1. Cooling Difficulty is a Myth

It is not true that your AC unit has to work extra hard to compensate for its mechanical function being off all day; it will run just as efficiently. Higher indoor temperatures will require the air conditioner to run for longer to maintain the same cooling rate, but powering off the device makes little to no difference in this endeavor. 


Surprisingly, this myth may have come from the opposite situation: it is sometimes difficult for an air conditioning system to activate after the temperature drops below the threshold as designed. Turning on the air after the machine at the end of the day will not make it run harder or use more energy; the operational costs remain the same.


2. Less Runtime is Beneficial

The air conditioner does not need to run constantly to be effective. If you do not have pets, plants, or other people at home during the day, there is no need to keep the unit running. An air conditioner that cycles off and on for hours uses more energy than one that runs consistently for a shorter period, so running it part-time will cool the home in less time.


Less overall runtime also results in benefits like increased savings on utility bills. A home can be comfortable without extensive use. Using the air conditioning less also keeps breakdowns at bay for longer.


3. Increased Energy Savings are Good for Everyone

Peak electricity usage starts in the evenings, resulting in significantly higher electricity expenses if the unit has already been running all day. Wait until you are home to turn it on. Remember, turning off the air conditioning well before you leave for work will save a lot of money and energy over a twenty-four-hour billing cycle. 


Energy savings rely on the overall temperature and runtime. However, letting the unit run when the temperature drops will increase its active time, with longer runtime equating to higher costs if the electric company charges more during peak hours. Turning off the AC when not home benefits your pocket and the environment; everybody wins.


4. Decreased Wear and Tear Lengthens the Unit’s Lifespan

Wear and tear significantly contribute to an air conditioner’s repair needs, cooling efficiency, and savings potential. It is not terrible to run an air conditioner frequently when it serves a valid purpose, but the constant operation will still decrease its performance and condition faster. Less runtime means the unit’s components will take longer to deteriorate.


Call Professional Services when you notice wear and tear becoming an issue with signs like:


  • a short-cycling unit
  • increased monthly bills
  • deteriorating cooling efficiency


Failures often occur during the shutoff or startup process due to faulty moving parts, so keeping the unit in peak condition can save a lot of downtime. Limiting the air conditioning to nighttime hours where possible should prevent unnecessary mechanical damage from overuse in the warmer seasons.


5. Improved Cooling Efficiency Saves Time and Money

An air conditioner in optimal condition will cool a home quickly. By running the system less, homeowners can improve this cooling efficiency even further by only using the unit until the room is at the ideal temperature because the system will not need to keep switching on and off. A few hours of continuous operation might not cause problems, but turning off AC when not home makes a huge difference long-term. 


Frequent operation hinders even cooling, so turn the system off during the day if it needs to run for longer periods. An efficient unit will consistently cool rooms when you can benefit from it and rest when you are out.


6. Turning Off AC When Not Home Counters Humidity

Wisconsin’s hot, humid summers quickly spur mold growth, attract insects, and make the home environment uncomfortable. Running the air conditioning at night removes most of the humidity that has accumulated throughout the day so that the family can sleep in a cool, comfortable house. If you do not need the cooling power during the day, taking advantage of it only at night is a great way to save energy and help the unit last longer.


Final Tip: Consider Turning It Up

Many homeowners do not enjoy a warm welcome home from work, but there are other solutions. For example, our HVAC professionals frequently suggest that our customers turn the thermostat up a few degrees instead of turning the whole thing off. There are many benefits to turning up the thermostat before leaving for work, including:


  • less humidity to wreak havoc on furniture and make pets uncomfortable
  • a relatively cool home without frequent activation
  • spending less on energy while keeping temperatures consistent


A programmable thermostat will turn on a unit just before you arrive home so that you do not need to turn off the AC each morning. These smart features save up to 15% on cooling costs, with scheduled operations ensuring a comfortable indoor space to welcome you home.


Reliable Air Conditioning Repair by Professional Services

Running an air conditioner while not at home does untold damage to its longevity, performance, and usefulness. However, there might be other explanations if you suddenly find yourself spending more on home cooling costs or hearing the unit short-cycle; it may need a long-overdue repair. Why not consider Professional Services, a premier choice for air conditioner repairs in the Cedarburg, WI, area?


Our skilled technicians use a 21-point checklist, including checks on:


  • air filters clogs
  • even cooling
  • AC maintenance and replacement needs
  • duct cleaning and more


With affordable AC repair by Professional Services, you can keep your HVAC system in good repair and extend its lifespan. Call Professional Services at (262) 218-2636 today for tips like turning off AC when not home and everything between.

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