With energy costs climbing and summer heat sticking around longer than ever, many homeowners wonder: should I turn my AC off when I leave the house, or just leave it running?
At Maverick Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Air, we get this question all the time, and the answer isn’t as simple as yes or no.
Here’s what you need to know about running your AC while you’re away, how it impacts your energy use, and what thermostat settings can actually save you money without sacrificing comfort.
Leave It On or Turn It Off – What’s Better?
When you’re not home, it might seem like a waste to run the air conditioner. But shutting it off completely can lead to other problems, especially in areas with extreme heat or humidity.
Here’s the bottom line:
- Turning the AC off saves energy, but your home can get extremely hot, forcing your system to work harder to cool it back down later.
- Leaving the AC on at your usual setting wastes energy, since no one’s there to benefit from the cool air.
The best option? Turn it up, not off. Adjusting your thermostat to a higher temperature while you’re away lets your system cycle less often, while still preventing heat buildup – keeping things in balance.
The Ideal Temperature When You’re Away
For short trips (workdays, errands, etc.)
Set your thermostat 5-8 degrees higher than your normal setting. If you normally keep it at 72, bump it up to 78-80 while you’re out.
For longer trips (weekends, vacations):
You can set it even higher – around 85 – just avoid turning it completely off. A too-hot house can put stress on your system, especially during heatwaves.
Why Not Just Shut the AC Off Completely?
While it may sound like the best way to save money, turning your AC off entirely can lead to:
- Overheating of walls, furniture, and electronics
- Increased humidity, which can lead to musty smells or mold growth
- Longer recovery times, forcing your system to work harder once you return
In other words, you might save a little now, but pay more later in energy use or repairs. If you’re trying to save, a better solution is using a smart thermostat (more on that next).
Smart Thermostats Make a Big Difference
A smart thermostat can automatically adjust your settings while you’re away and cool things down before you walk through the door.
Benefits include:
- Energy savings without manual effort
- Remote control via smartphone apps
- Learning your schedule to optimize performance over time
At Maverick, we can help install and set up a smart thermostat that fits your home’s layout and your lifestyle.
What If You Have Pets or Plants?
If you have pets or indoor plants, it’s especially important not to let the temperature climb too high. Prolonged exposure to indoor temps above 85 can affect animals and stress certain houseplants.
Keeping the thermostat around 78-80 while you’re away is usually a safe range that balances comfort and energy savings for both people and pets.
So… Should You Leave It On?
Yes – but not at your usual setting.
Raise the temp, don’t turn it off. This keeps your home protected from heat and humidity while avoiding energy waste.
And if you’re looking to really optimize your comfort and utility bills? Ask the Maverick team about smart thermostat options or an AC system tune-up to make sure everything’s running as it should.
Need Help Managing Your Cooling Costs? Let’s Talk.
At Maverick Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Air, we’re here to help you make smart, simple choices for home comfort – even when you’re not home. Whether it’s installing a programmable thermostat or maintaining your AC for max efficiency, we’re ready when you are.
Give us a call or schedule service today, and take control of your cooling costs.
