Turning the AC Off at Night or While You’re Away at Work
Nighttime usually brings cooler outdoor temperatures, so it’s easy to think your AC doesn’t need to run as often. Similarly, many people assume turning off their AC while they're at work will save money. But that can backfire.
When you completely shut down your AC, your home's indoor temperature often rises significantly. Once you're back home, your system must work harder and run longer to bring the temperature back to a comfortable level—using more energy in the process.
A better strategy is to adjust your thermostat before leaving. Raising the temperature by just 5 to 10 degrees while you’re away or asleep can make a big difference. Your AC won't need to cool down a hot house, just maintain a slightly warmer one, reducing the strain on your system.
Keeping your AC on at a higher setting also helps manage humidity. After showers or other moisture-producing activities, your AC continues to remove excess humidity. If it's turned off for long periods with lingering moisture in the air, it can lead to mold, mildew, and poor indoor air quality.
Solar Heat Gains and Your Plants and Pets
Even though some pets and plants can handle warmer temperatures, it's risky to leave them in a hot house without air conditioning. If you have dogs, cats, birds, or other indoor pets, they need a stable, climate-controlled environment to stay safe and comfortable.
The same goes for many houseplants, which can suffer heat stress or wilt if exposed to excessive indoor temperatures during the day.
How ACs Work and When Air Conditioners Should Be Turned Off
Air conditioners work by cooling air in sealed environments. They pull in warm air, filter it, and pass it over evaporator coils containing cold refrigerant. After absorbing heat, the air is cooled and sent back through your home.
This process is efficient—but it only works well in a closed space. If you leave windows or doors open while running your AC, you’re letting cool air escape and allowing warm, humid air to come in. That forces your system to work harder, increasing energy consumption and lowering performance.
If you enjoy sleeping with your windows open, set your thermostat to “FAN” instead of “ON” while they’re open. This allows air to circulate without activating the AC compressor. Just don’t forget to switch it back to “ON” once you close everything up. The best way to stay energy-efficient is to keep your home sealed and your thermostat adjusted appropriately.
Investing in a Smart or Programmable Thermostat
It’s easy to forget to adjust your thermostat manually when leaving the house. That’s where programmable and smart thermostats come in. A programmable thermostat can automatically raise or lower the temperature based on your schedule. For example, it can warm up your house while you’re gone and cool it back down just before you return.
Smart thermostats offer even more flexibility. They’re Wi-Fi-enabled and can be controlled from your phone or tablet. If someone in the house sets the temperature too low, you can make adjustments remotely.
Over time, smart thermostats learn your habits and create schedules that maximize comfort and efficiency. They also track your energy usage, helping you stay on top of your cooling costs and find new ways to save.
Safe and Effective Strategies for Cutting Your Summertime Cooling Costs
Although shutting off your AC when you leave might not help your energy bill, there are several effective ways to reduce cooling costs:
- Change your air filter regularly. Check it every 30 days and replace it every 30–90 days to keep airflow smooth and clean.
- Clear dust and debris from registers, vents, and behind grilles to prevent obstructions.
- Schedule annual AC tune-ups before summer starts. These maintenance visits help your system run more efficiently and catch small issues before they become costly.
During a tune-up, our technicians will:
- Clean internal components
- Check refrigerant levels and repair leaks
- Eliminate airflow restrictions
- Replace worn parts
- Calibrate and inspect your thermostat
If you’re still using a basic thermostat, a tune-up is also a great time to upgrade to a more advanced model for better control and efficiency.
With a team that has over 20 years of experience, Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Generators proudly serves Bountiful and surrounding communities. We offer expert AC, furnace, and heat pump services—including installation, repairs, and routine maintenance. From ductless mini-splits to smart thermostats and energy-saving solutions, we’ve got everything you need for year-round comfort.
Ready to schedule your next AC service? Contact Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Generators today!
