Is It Cheaper to Have Your AC Running All Day?

In the sweltering heat of summer, it can be tempting to leave the air conditioner running all day when you’re not home. After all, who doesn't want to come home to a cool, comfortable home after a long, hot day?

There’s a frequently cited myth that leaving your AC on all day actually saves money, but that’s not exactly the case in every circumstance. The truth, like most things, is more complicated and is highly dependent on variables like the outside temperature, your home’s insulation, your comfort preferences, system efficiency and your thermostat.

The Impact of Exterior Temperature

One factor that significantly influences the cost-effectiveness of leaving your AC on all day is the exterior temperature. If it's scorching hot outside and your home is poorly insulated, it will heat up more quickly than it would on a day with moderate outdoor highs.

Particularly high temps mean that when you return home and switch on the AC, it will start cooling at a greater deficit and be forced to work harder, run longer and consume more energy to cool down the interior to your preferred temperature – especially if you like to keep your home very cold in the summer.

In such cases, turning off the AC completely might cost more than leaving it on but setting a higher temperature when you leave for the day. Adjusting the thermostat to a higher temperature when you leave for work can ensure it doesn’t need to work as hard when you get home and turn the thermostat down. The system also won’t need to run at maximum output all day when there’s no one home that needs cooling. This strategy reduces the strain on your AC system and can result in lower energy bills compared to keeping it running at full blast the whole day or turning it off completely when you leave for work.

Temperature Preferences Matter

Another crucial aspect to consider is individual temperature preferences. Some people are comfortable with their thermostat at 80-degree Fahrenheit in the summer (especially when combined with ceiling fans), while others prefer borderline arctic indoor environments. Adjusting the thermostat to a higher setting during the day when you're away can save energy without sacrificing your comfort when you get home.

Investing in a programmable thermostat can be a game-changer. Many can learn your cooling schedule and automatically adjust at certain times based on your pattern of usage. Most also allow you to adjust the temperature via your phone, so you can turn the thermostat down when you start walking to your car to depart work, ensuring your desired temperature is reached by the time you pull into the driveway. 

The Importance of Insulation

The effectiveness of your home's insulation also plays a significant role in determining whether it's cheaper to keep your AC running all day. Well-insulated homes retain cool air more effectively, reducing the workload on the AC system and lowering energy consumption.

If your home lacks adequate insulation, heat can infiltrate more easily, causing your AC to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. In such cases, improving insulation levels can lead to substantial energy savings over time, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners concerned about efficiency. Good insulation may also result in lower costs if you leave your AC running during the day since it won’t need to operate constantly to maintain the temperature set on your thermostat.

The Role of AC Maintenance

Regular AC maintenance is crucial to ensuring the efficiency and longevity of your AC system. Dirty filters, clogged vents and refrigerant leaks can all impair performance and increase energy consumption, regardless of whether you’re at home. By scheduling annual tune-ups and promptly addressing any issues, you can optimize your AC's efficiency and keep operating costs in check.

Your Alternative to Shoddy Air Conditioning Service in Arlington, TX

If you find yourself in need of professional assistance with your HVAC system, look no further than Tom's Mechanical Inc.

Our team of experienced technicians is dedicated to providing top-notch residential air conditioner maintenance and repair services. Whether you need routine AC maintenance, repairs or new HVAC installation, we've got you covered. Call us at 817-277-4493 to schedule maintenance or an air conditioner replacement estimate.