How to use an A/C efficiently
Is it cheaper to run the air conditioner all day every day on a high setting than turn it off when you’re not at home?
Auntie’s answer: You probably won’t be surprised to learn that you are not the first person to ask this question. I did some research on your behalf and found that the consensus seems to be that it is not a good idea to leave the A/C on all day unless you have money to burn, as it were, or don’t mind investing in a new unit more often than you should have to.
This may sound counterintuitive but it is apparently more efficient to have the air conditioner work at capacity to cool down your home when you return at night than have it automatically going on and off throughout the day to maintain the temperature you have set. And when running at full power, air conditioners are better at dehumidifying your home.
In addition, there will be less wear and tear on the unit if you keep it off when you are not in the house, rather than keep it working all day when you are out.
Category: Ask Auntie
Actually you should never turn your A/C off completely as you could very well get mould issues. Mine is set to cycle through the day but at 84F.
What about mould issues?
Just get your help to put it on 30 minutes before you get home.
I knew it!!!
I always turn the water heater off when I don’t need hot water (just flip the breaker off) and set A/C on high when I am not home. The savings are significant.
If you always do it how do you know the savings are significant?
Just get a timer for hot water heaters. More efficient than flipping the breaker constantly.