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

Drumroll for the 2025 SustainPHL Award Recipients

Let's sail-ebrate the latest changemakers who are moving the region towards a sustainable, equitable place.…

4 days ago

Community farm preservation, curbing animal cruelty, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Community Farm gets closer to community ownership. The…

5 days ago

Did you hear? There’s an election on November 4th, and your voice (or sitting at home) can impact the environment.

Philadelphia residents will not only vote on who will be the next district attorney, but…

1 week ago

Nature Challenge results, National Walk & Roll to School Day, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news: Transit advocates demand better SEPTA funding. On Tuesday…

2 weeks ago

Philly wants more trash cans and trees, believes civic engagement is key

Part Two of Every Voice, Every Vote research revealed that Philly takes pride in community…

2 weeks ago

For this community, Building a ‘Green” city is an act of resistance.

The Green Building United Groundbreaker Awards celebrated local innovative projects using passive house, LEED and…

3 weeks ago