Does Turning Your AC Off When You Leave Save Money?

Opening your electricity bill shouldn’t cause a rush of anxiety. But for lots of Floridians who use their air conditioning systems year round, this is a common occurrence. That’s why one of the most frequently asked questions we get from homeowners in the Gainesville area is whether or not they can save money by turning their AC on and off when it is and isn’t in use. Read on to find out.

The Myth About Turning Your AC Off to Save Money

Ever since the creation of air conditioning systems, homeowners have been trying and testing countless AC hacks to save energy without sacrificing comfort. While some work, we have also been left with a handful of AC-related myths. One of the most popular myths is the idea that leaving your AC on throughout the day saves more money than turning it off while you’re out because your system doesn’t have to use excess energy every time you turn it back on.  But this is 100% false.

But why? If you’re keeping your air conditioning system on at all times—even when you’re not home—you’re not using your AC as efficiently as you could be. So although it may seem like your system will use extra energy to power itself on, this just isn’t true. The fact is that it is much more taxing for your system to fluctuate all day to achieve a consistent temperature.

Unfortunately, when your AC is working hard to ensure your home is comfortable throughout the day it puts excess wear and tear on your system. The result? You’re left with higher energy bills and a shorter lifespan for your air conditioning system.

Why You Should Invest In a Programmable Thermostat

Leaving your air conditioner on all day while you’re out isn’t a good use of energy. But still, no one wants to come home to an uncomfortable home. Fortunately, purchasing a programmable thermostat can help.

By investing in a programmable thermostat, you can program your air conditioning system to adjust to a set temperature at different times throughout the day. Let’s say you know you’re going to be gone for work Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6.m. Instead of leaving your air conditioner on all day, or shutting it off completely, you can adjust a programmable thermostat to increase the temperature while you’re out and then return to a comfortable temperature by the time you get home.

Learn More About Programmable Thermostats at A+ Air Conditioning

A programmable thermostat is an economical and efficient way to save money on your energy costs without sacrificing comfort. At A+ Air Conditioning, we offer a variety of leading-edge programmable thermostats that are user-friendly and completely customizable. If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat in your home, it is worth your consideration. Contact us today if you have any questions or want help determining the right thermostat for your home.