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Simply turning off your AC when you're not home might not save you as much money as you think. The better option is to use strategic temperature setbacks to reduce your cooling costs.
At a glance:
- Turning off your air conditioning completely when you're out for a few hours can make your AC work harder when you return, using more energy.
- Setting the temperature a few degrees higher when you're away is a better way to save on your electric bill without overworking your system.
- Regular maintenance, like cleaning filters and using a smart thermostat, can help maximize energy savings throughout the summer. Check out our heat pump maintenance guide for more tips.
Does Turning Off Your AC Save Money?
Electric bills can often skyrocket during the hotter months, leaving many homeowners wondering if turning off their air conditioning when they're out of the house will help reduce costs. The short answer? Not necessarily.
The average electric bill for summer months is around $719, compared to $476 a decade ago. That leads many people to think that keeping the AC off during the day will cut down on expenses. But in most cases, turning off the unit entirely when you're away could lead to your air conditioner working harder to cool your home once you return, which can negate any savings.
As Brad Gall, owner of BG Electrical & Air Conditioning, explains, "Turning off your AC makes it work overtime when you switch it back on, using more energy than just maintaining a consistent temperature."
Turning Off vs. Lowering Your AC
When you turn off your air conditioner completely, especially during hot weather, your home warms up quickly. Once the AC is back on, it has to work much harder to cool everything down, which means higher energy consumption.
Furniture and walls can also hold residual heat, which means your AC will need to work extra hard to bring the room back to the desired temperature. However, if you’re leaving for several days, such as going on vacation, turning off the AC can save energy in that situation.
Instead of turning off your AC, a smarter approach is using temperature setbacks. This method involves increasing your thermostat by a few degrees while you’re away and lowering it when you return. It’s a much more efficient way to reduce cooling costs day-to-day. In colder months, the same concept applies, but in reverse—set the temperature closer to outdoor levels to ease the load on your heating system.
By making small adjustments, you avoid the extra work your AC would need to cool a sweltering home and can even reduce the amount of energy used during peak hours, when many utility companies charge higher rates.
How to Maximize Your Energy Savings
You might be surprised how small changes in your temperature settings can lead to significant savings. By increasing your home’s temperature by just one degree, you could see about a 3% reduction in your monthly energy costs. For a bigger impact, aim for a 7-10 degree increase for at least 8 hours a day—this could save you up to 10% on your electric bill, according to the Department of Energy. For more highly impactful ways to lower your energy bill, you can check out this other article we published.
However, in hot and humid climates, where ACs work hard to remove moisture from the air, the savings might not be as noticeable. You can still optimize your usage with a smart thermostat that adjusts the temperature while you’re away and cools your home just before you return.
For optimal savings, the DOE recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F while you’re home. Most people are comfortable around 75°F. If you need additional comfort, using ceiling fans (set to rotate counterclockwise) can help distribute cool air more efficiently.
Regular maintenance of your HVAC system also plays a key role in reducing energy consumption. Change air filters regularly, schedule annual tune-ups, and clear any buildup around the unit and coils. Dirty filters and coils force your AC to work harder, leading to higher energy bills and possible system breakdowns.
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Additional Ways to Save During Hotter Months
Optimizing your air conditioning isn’t the only way to cut down on energy use. Sealing windows and doors can prevent cool air from escaping, and keeping blinds or blackout curtains closed can help block out the sun’s heat.
Another tip is to run energy-intensive appliances, like dishwashers or laundry machines, during off-peak hours—usually before 1 p.m. or after 8 p.m. By shifting your energy usage, you can avoid paying premium rates during peak times.
Remember to check for time-of-use pricing from your utility provider. You could be paying three or four times the normal rate during peak hours if you’re not careful.
Conclusion
The best way to reduce your air conditioning costs isn’t by turning it off completely, but by using strategic temperature setbacks, regular HVAC maintenance, and energy-efficient practices. It also helps to know when to replace your old HVAC system.
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