Let me tell you about the most common questions we get here at ServiceOne.
On the air conditioning side of the business, people always ask us, “How often should I really change my filters?” Here’s our honest answer.
On the plumbing side of the business, we get this question all the time: “Can you really clean the drain with baking soda and vinegar?”
But the next most common question we get – and we get this one all the time, too – is
“Is it better to turn my air conditioning off when I leave for work, or should I let it run all day?
Here’s ServiceOne’s best advice on this great air conditioning debate:
I get it. I know that the reason people ask this question is that they’re worried about the high cost of utilities. Our state of Florida has had an annual average increase of 2.2% in the cost of energy every year for the past 25 years.
The bulk of your utility bills is used for air conditioning costs.
Nowhere do we need air conditioning more than we need it here in Florida. (In fact, did you know that Orlando is ranked as one of the ten hottest cities in the United States?) We need our air conditioning to make our homes comfortable, but we have to be able to afford it, too!
So people ask us all the time whether it’s better to turn off their air conditioner or leave it running.
The answer to this question is not as straightforward as you might think, as there are many factors that can impact the energy efficiency of your air conditioning system, and you’ll get all kinds of answers and conflicting opinions on the internet.
But the experts at ServiceOne want to help you.
Why the debate, anyway?
First and foremost, it's essential to understand that the debate around turning off the air conditioning when you're not home or leaving it on all day revolves around the amount of energy used. Some argue that turning off the air conditioning when you're not home can save energy, while others claim that leaving it on all day is more energy-efficient. So, what's the truth?
The heart of the debate is this:
Does it really take more energy to bring the house back to a comfortable temperature after it’s been off all day than it does if you leave it on?
The answer is yes.
Energy costs matter, but so do humidity levels
Energy costs matter, of course. But it’s not just the cost of keeping a comfortable temperature in your home that’s the issue. A very important secondary issue is the humidity in the house.
Too much humidity in your home causes mold and mildew.
Mold and mildew can contribute to significant health problems, like respiratory ailments and skin problems. In addition, humidity accelerates wood rot and bad air quality, a real issue for asthmatics or people with allergies.
When the air conditioner is running, it removes humidity from the air, so leaving it on while you're gone during the day reduces dangerous moisture. The lower the humidity in your home, the more comfortable it feels during hot weather, the healthier you’ll be, and the safer your home will be.
Here’s what you should do instead of turning your AC off
The best advice from ServiceOne is not to turn off the air conditioning completely.
Instead, it's best to adjust the temperature rather than turn the unit off. By leaving the unit running all day at a higher temperature, you’re still pulling out the humidity and keeping the temperature from getting so high that it’s difficult to bring back down.
Our experts suggest that if you go away for a vacation or a long period of time, you turn the air conditioner up to 80 degrees. It won’t have to work as hard as it would if you had it set on 70, but it will still control the humidity and keep it within a reasonable range.
Some studies show that for every degree you turn your thermostat up, you save about 1% of your energy use. However, you shouldn't turn it up too high, as it can take more energy to bring the house back to a comfortable temperature. If you’re turning up the temp for an eight-hour period, ServiceOne recommends that you don’t turn it up any higher than 76 degrees.
A Smart Thermostat: Another option
While adjusting the temperature is one way to save energy and money on your air conditioning bills, investing in a smart WiFi thermostat is another option. Smart thermostats can set a schedule to raise and lower the temperature based on the time of day you leave for work and the hour you arrive home. They can even be controlled by a phone app, so if you're stuck in a traffic jam, you can delay the onset of air conditioning and save yourself some cash.
A smart thermostat is an effective weapon in the fight against rising energy costs.
EnergyStar suggests that a WiFi smart thermostat can save around 8% of your energy bills.
ServiceOne has the perfect WiFi thermostat for your home and your budget. We can help you program it and start your energy-saving process today. Just call!
Another energy-saving option: Replace aging equipment
It’s a proven fact that old equipment is not efficient. Even with routine maintenance, many older systems can’t be as efficient as a new system made with higher quality parts to higher energy standards.
It may seem like an expensive proposition, but it’s far more affordable than you might think.
Replacing your old air conditioner will decrease your utility bills.
It will also keep your home more comfortable with less noise.
Daikin, the leader in the air conditioning industry, offers you 12 MONTHS of INTEREST-FREE FINANCING, along with significant rebates on cutting-edge systems.
You don’t even have to have central air because ServiceOne can install ductless mini-split systems with the highest efficiency ratings in the industry!
No need to argue any longer.
You know the truth and the absolute answer to the great air conditioning debate.
It’s better to leave your air conditioning running all day than turn it off completely!
Call us for the answers to all your air conditioning, heating, and plumbing questions.