Categories: Quick Tips

Friday Quickie: AC On or Off? Best Strategies for Energy Efficiency

We’ve all heard it before: – Air conditioners “work” harder when they’re cooling down your house after a hot day … But it’s false. (Thanks for clarifying, MNN!) According to Energy Star:

Smaller temperature differences between your house and outside generally means you’ll lose less heat (or air conditioning) from inside the house to the outside. Therefore, you will save energy by only heating or cooling as much as necessary, for the occupants and time of day.

So what’s the best strategy for cooling your house during these -hotter-than-a-ghost-pepper temperatures? It’s actually a good idea to turn off your air conditioning when you leave the house for an extended time (or if it’s superhot, turn the thermostat up several degrees higher until you get home.)

Another idea? A programmable thermostat can cool (or heat during the winter) your home 30-60 minutes before you get home so the temperature is JUST right when you arrive. You can save an average of $180/year!

 

Photo: MPR

Julie Hancher

Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake.

Share
Published by
Julie Hancher

Recent Posts

Rally Against Rate Hikes, Free ‘How City Council Works’ Training, Native Plants Guide & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: 25 Philly-Area Solar for Schools grants awarded. Lawmakers…

2 days ago

How to match your dollars with your values: Invest in less plastic, not fossil fuels.

Green Century has helped investors and businesses support the planet, not polluters, for over 30…

3 days ago

Can a greener Philly reduce crime?

In a bid to improve public safety, quality of life initiatives are bringing brighter lights…

4 days ago

Ride of Silence, Brownfields Cleanup, Solar in Schools, & More

Catch up on this week's sustainability news: New public orchard and gateway garden at Penn…

1 week ago

Sustainability with substance: How local green entrepreneurs strive for success

Consumers want authentic sustainability from suppliers. Without flashy funding or shortcuts, here's how these local…

1 week ago

Eco-Explainer: SEPTA is in a Funding Crisis. What’s the deadline to save it?

The transit agency may look drastically different if Harrisburg doesn’t act. Here are the key…

2 weeks ago