By: Emma Pierce
As summer temperatures climb, many homeowners ask the same question before heading out the door: Should I turn my air conditioner off to save money, or leave it running?
Some people believe shutting the system off completely is the best way to cut energy costs. Others argue that letting the house heat up means the AC has to work even harder when you return, wiping out any savings.
So who’s right?
We spoke with an HVAC expert from Fuse Service to separate fact from fiction and explain the smartest way to cool your home while keeping your energy bill under control.
Is It Better to Turn the AC Off Completely?
“For most homeowners, the answer is no,” says the Fuse Service technician. “It’s usually more efficient to raise the thermostat while you’re away rather than shutting the system off entirely.”
Instead of turning the AC off, consider increasing the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees if you’ll only be gone for the workday. The home will stay reasonably cool, and the system won’t have to recover from extremely high indoor temperatures when you return.
That approach typically strikes the best balance between comfort and energy savings.
Doesn’t the AC Have to Work Harder to Cool the House Again?
This is one of the biggest myths in home cooling.
“People often think the AC uses a huge burst of energy to cool the house back down,” the technician explains. “In reality, air conditioners use energy based on how much heat they need to remove. Keeping the home cooler all day while no one is there usually requires more energy than allowing the temperature to rise a little.”
An air conditioner doesn’t work harder because it’s cooling a warmer house. It simply runs longer until the desired temperature is reached.
What’s the Best Temperature to Set While You’re Away?
Every home is different, but a good starting point is around 78 to 80°F if the house will be empty for several hours.
This helps reduce energy use without allowing indoor temperatures to become excessively high.
If you’re away for several days, you can often raise the temperature a few degrees more, depending on your home’s insulation, local weather, and whether anyone (or anything) is staying inside.
What If I Have Pets at Home?
Pets change the equation.
“Dogs, cats, and other animals can also be affected by excessive indoor heat,” says the Fuse Service technician. “You don’t want to shut the system off and allow the house to become uncomfortable or unsafe.”
The ideal temperature depends on the type of pet, their age, and their health, but in general, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment is recommended whenever animals are home alone.
Does Frequently Changing the Thermostat Damage the AC?
No.
Modern HVAC systems are designed to respond to thermostat adjustments throughout the day. Raising the temperature while you’re away and lowering it when you return won’t damage the equipment.
However, constantly making large adjustments every hour isn’t likely to improve efficiency or comfort.
A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule, eliminating the need to remember every time you leave the house.
What Else Can Help Lower Cooling Costs?
Changing the thermostat is only one piece of the puzzle.
Your HVAC system will operate more efficiently if you also:
• Replace air filters regularly.
• Keep the outdoor condenser free of leaves, grass, and debris.
• Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day.
• Seal air leaks around windows and doors.
• Schedule annual HVAC maintenance to keep the system operating at peak efficiency.
Small improvements throughout the home can add up to noticeable savings over the course of a long California summer.
The Verdict
Turning your air conditioner off completely every time you leave the house isn’t usually the most efficient strategy.
For most homeowners, simply raising the thermostat while they’re away reduces energy consumption without sacrificing comfort or forcing the AC to cool an overheated home later.
As the Fuse Service technician puts it: “Your goal isn’t to make the house hot. It’s to avoid cooling an empty home more than necessary.”
With the right thermostat settings and a well-maintained HVAC system, homeowners can stay comfortable all summer while keeping energy bills under better control.
