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We’re officially in the dog days of summer, so it’s likely you’ve had to turn on your air conditioning at home, and you’ve likely wondered what the best way to save energy is: leaving the A/C on all day, or only turning it on when you’re home?
Jennifer Amann, buildings program coordinator for the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) says it’s best to turn you’re A/C on and off. She explains that “air-conditioning systems run most efficiently when they’re running at full speed” and that they’re better able to dehumidify your house when they run at full blast.
Also, if you’re looking to save money the ACEEE estimates that air conditioners use three to five percent less energy for every degree you raise the thermostat. So if you do leave you A/C on while you’re out you should set the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher.
