THERE has long been debate among Americans as to whether air conditioning should be left on or off when away from home.
Instinct for some is that turning it off should be a quick and easy cost-saving move considering monthly energy bills.
A decision with the air conditioning could lead to energy bill savings (stock image)[/caption]
Others argue that it’s better to keep it running consistently, as it prevents the system from getting strained over rapid cooling onsets as the living space gets warmed up in the day, per CBS News.
So, what’s really the best way to save money on energy bills when you’re not at home?
It may surprise some to know that, according to three different experts who spoke with The Associated Press, it’s often the latter.
They each agreed that the best way to run an efficient AC system and keep energy bills optimal away from home — in general — was to only turn the thermostat up ever-so-slightly before leaving.
It could bring in at least 3% monthly savings in cooling costs even with just a one-degree Fahrenheit bump, according to what Patrick Phelan, mechanical engineering professor at Arizona State University, told AP.
Data from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) also notes that adjustments of seven to ten degrees for eight hours a day can save about 10% yearly.
Considering the average yearly electric bill in the United States is about $1,788, that would mean savings of $178.80, per SaveOnEnergy.com.
Sure, turning the AC system off for several hours and turning it back on again can definitely save money and energy.
If it’s off, you’re not paying for the usage.
MOLD MAYHEM?
Except Phelan warned that doing this can lead to significant mold issues in more humid climates, like Florida, as the systems work to keep moisture in the air regulated.
Not to mention, it could potentially cause wear and tear on the AC system, meaning repairs that cost money.
He noted that AC systems typically take about 15 to 30 minutes after they’re on to perform their best.
Residents in humid climates take more of a risk if they are away from their living space for an extended period, like on vacation.
Additionally, extremely short stints of cutting off the AC would make for virtually no extra energy bill savings, as noted by Elizabeth Hewitt, urban planning expert and professor at Stony Brook University.
Air conditioner tips to keep you cool this summer
Here are some tips to get your air conditioner to pay off without exactly making you pay more, per Apartment Therapy:
- Move electronics away from your thermostat as they may confuse it and make it think the room is hotter than it is
- Keep your A/C unit shaded
- Make sure to clean your A/C filter
- Leave your thermostat be
- Try not to move your vents too much
- Check your airducts
- Use your fan
“If you’re gone for like 15 minutes to go to the grocery store, you don’t get any gain,” Hewitt told AP.
An exception is for those who live in dryer climates, like Arizona, and are headed to work for eight hours a day, or something similar.
In that case, according to Hewitt, “you’ll almost always save more energy and money by turning things off.”
Those who opt for that method will just have to prepare themselves for potential strain on the system.
SMART MOVE
Hewitt also suggested investing in a smart thermostat could also leave to savings.
The gadgets “learn” by monitoring occupancy in the home and raise the temperature when no one is there to conserve energy, later lowering it when everyone returns.
“If you’re going from just an ordinary manual thermostat to installing a smart one like a Nest, then you can expect something like 10% savings,” the professor explained.
Any money-saving methods are a necessity this year for many Americans, as electricity costs rose by 5.5% in July alone compared to the same time in 2024, as per findings from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Average energy bills for the summer months between June and September are also the highest they’ve been in 12 years.
Fortunately, there could be a way to slash costs by about $100 in six simple steps.
Avoiding an easy but little-known mistake could also save homeowners hundreds more.
