No, it is in fact not bad to keep turning your AC unit on and off. It might seem like a waste of energy to keep tampering with the AC settings throughout the day, but it can actually save you money on your energy bill. Air conditioners work best at cooling and dehumidifying when they run at full speed.
Ultimately, yes, it is more expensive to turn your air conditioning on and off throughout the day. This is because your AC will be experiencing additional wear and tear, along with working harder to restore optimal levels.
Although many people believe that it is more costly to turn your AC on and off vs. leaving it on, this is entirely false.
So, is it bad to keep turning AC on and off? Yes, frequent cycling can lead to increased wear and tear on your system, diminished energy efficiency, inconsistent temperature control, and higher maintenance needs.
The Myth About Turning Your AC Off to Save Money
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.
On the one hand, keeping a constant temperature can be more energy-efficient in some cases because your HVAC system doesn't have to work as hard switching between temperatures. However, this approach can also lead to wasted energy if you're heating or cooling your home when no one can enjoy it.
AUTO is significantly more energy efficient between the two modes since the fan is only running when your AC is going through its cooling cycle. This takes less power, which is more budget-friendly, with some estimates showing you can save as much as $50 per month just by keeping your AC on AUTO.
Because it can take much longer to cool your space with a short cycling HVAC system, you'll suffer from higher energy bills. The continuous powering on and off negatively affects your heating or AC unit's moving parts. Your system may need repairs prematurely.
If temperatures will remain mild, it's okay to turn the AC off. However, if scorching temperatures are forecasted, HVAC companies recommend keeping the AC on at a setting of 80 or lower to prevent excess heat and humidity from taking a toll on your home's structure, cooling appliances, and contents.
According to the Department of Energy1, 78° Fahrenheit is the sweet spot for air conditioners to balance energy savings and comfort when people are at home and need cooling. But in reality, this is a question that doesn't have a “one size fits all” answer.
While running your air conditioner will cool your home, it consumes a lot of energy, leading to higher electricity bills. Yet not using the air conditioner isn't practical.
Turning off the car's AC while driving can indeed affect the engine's performance, because the compressor is connected to the engine through a belt. So when the AC is turned off, the engine's load can decrease. Yet, this doesn't automatically lead to a substantial boost in engine power.
In fact, you can save more money if you turn the heat off and on based on need. By integrating these strategies into your heating cost management plan, you can significantly reduce energy consumption, leading to lower bills and a more environmentally friendly home.
Frequent cycling, where you turn your air conditioner off and back on often, can increase your electricity bill and cause your system to wear down faster. However, strategic cycling—like raising the thermostat when you're not home—can lead to significant savings.
The short answer is yes, it is cheaper to leave your air conditioner on all day. But this does not mean that you should leave it on full blast, keeping your home so cold that you need a sweater or jacket to be comfortable.
Best AC Temperature Settings While You Are Home
As you consider the most comfortable room temperature for your lifestyle and family, keep in mind that for each degree that you set your thermostat above 72 degrees, you can save up to 3% on your energy bill.
Constantly turning your AC on and off can increase energy usage and wear out the system faster, while proper balance can optimize efficiency. Smart thermostats and correct AC usage timing can save energy and costs, with settings like 78°F recommended for comfort and efficiency.
No, it is in fact not bad to keep turning your AC unit on and off. It might seem like a waste of energy to keep tampering with the AC settings throughout the day, but it can actually save you money on your energy bill. Air conditioners work best at cooling and dehumidifying when they run at full speed.
But, generally speaking, if you want to get the best cost and comfort, set the temperature on your AC unit to 77 or 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and just leave it running.
It's more energy-efficient to keep your AC on but set a few degrees higher when you're away from home for the day. Completely turning it off doesn't necessarily save energy as the unit will have to run longer to cool down a hot house upon your return.
These cycles last about 10 minutes each, meaning that the AC's compressor will power up and run for 10 minutes, stop for 10 minutes, and repeat two more times within an hour.
It should be running in cycles and shutting off periodically. Ideally, it should cycle on for about 15 or 20 minutes, then shut back off. It should also only cycle on a couple of times every hour, so if you notice it running more frequently, there could be an issue.
The short answer is yes, it's more cost-effective to keep your air conditioner on all day. However, don't take this as a green light to crank it up to the max 24/7! There's a smart way to go about it, which we'll delve into in a moment. So, why is it cheaper to leave your AC on?
Eco or energy-saving mode
This is the ideal mode for users looking to save up on energy bills by toning down the performance of the AC and its compressor. Eco-mode uses less electricity by automatically adjusting the fan speed and temperature, while still maintaining a comfortable level of cooling.
Keeping your fan on AUTO is the most energy-efficient option. The fan only runs when the system is on and not continuously. There is better dehumidification in your home during the summer months. When your fan is set to AUTO, moisture from cold cooling coils can drip and be drained outside.