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 the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia.