Air conditioning (AC) can be a serious lifesaver on a hot summer’s day. It extracts warm air to keep the temperature of your home low, creating a cool and comfy oasis for you to escape the heat outside. Some AC units also have heating functions, so they’ve got you covered in the winter too!
Even better? Modern AC units are designed with energy efficiency in mind, making them much cheaper to run compared to older models. Still, it’s always great to discover ways to cut down on your energy bills even more.
Now, one of the big questions you might be wondering is whether it’s smarter to switch off your AC every time you leave the house, or if it’s actually more wallet-friendly to keep it going all day long. That’s what we’re here to explain today!
Cool-Tec is one of the UK’s leading names in AC and refrigeration technology. Below, we’ll walk you through the smartest ways to cut down on your AC unit’s running costs and explain why these strategies work. We’ll also share more tips on how to save money while enjoying the benefits of your AC. Let’s dive in!
Is it more cost-effective to leave your AC running?
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? Simple: your AC plays a double role by keeping your indoor temperature and humidity in check. When you switch it off, even briefly, and then switch it back on, it has to put in extra effort to restore the perfect temperature and humidity levels. This extra effort shows up in the form of higher energy bills.
On the other hand, if you let your air conditioner run while you’re away, it continues to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels at home. It doesn’t have to work overtime to get things back on track when you return, helping you keep a lid on your energy costs.
What other benefits are there to leaving your AC on?
Apart from lowering your electricity bills, there are plenty of other good reasons to leave your AC on all day:
- It maintains a comfortable humidity level in your home all day long, which helps prevent issues like damp, rot, and mould. This is especially important if you have an older home or one with a lot of wood in its structure.
- When you don’t turn your AC on and off again constantly, it doesn’t wear out as quickly. This means you’ll have fewer maintenance needs and your AC unit will last longer.
- You’ll be able to walk into a cool, breezy home without waiting for your AC to catch up!
What settings should you leave your AC unit on?
Finding the right balance between staying comfortable and saving energy during the summer months is key. Instead of shutting off your AC completely or having it run at full blast non-stop, a good idea is to set it to around 25°C when you’re not home. This temperature setting keeps your space comfortable while also being mindful of your electricity usage.
With this approach, you won’t need to worry about your AC running constantly. These units work in cycles, releasing cooler air that’s about 5° lower than the current temperature. Your thermostat then decides if more cycles are necessary to reach your preferred temperature. Since 25°C is already quite warm, your air conditioner will quickly realise that additional cooling isn’t needed.
When should you turn off your AC?
Even though it might make sense to keep your AC on all day during the summer, you should think about turning it off when the weather cools down enough to open your windows. This way, you can rely on the outdoor air to keep your home at a comfortable temperature instead.
How else can you save money on your AC’s running costs?
Now that you’ve got a handle on the most efficient times and settings to run your AC, you might be wondering about other ways to cut down on its running costs. One of your best options? Regular servicing!
Skipping routine maintenance can lead to major mechanical problems going unfixed, which can cause your AC to work harder to maintain the same level of performance – and that means a bigger dent in your bank account. Not only that, but it also ups the chances of bigger problems or even a complete breakdown.
At Cool-Tec, our mission is to help you get the very most out of your AC. Our scheduled maintenance service is designed to keep your AC in top condition throughout the year, so you don’t need to stress about unnecessary expenses while enjoying all the perks of your AC.
Our certified specialists will visit your property to inspect your current AC system, identify any issues (big or small), and pinpoint spots where we can optimise the performance. With thorough checks, we make sure your AC is performing exactly as you want it to, all while keeping running costs at a minimum.
Ready to get started? Get a quote online or call us on 0800 0189 941 today!
