When the calendar flips to the start of summer, many homeowners keep their air conditioners on for optimum comfort. If you don’t want to leave your AC running all the time, you’re probably wondering, “Is it bad to turn AC off in summer?” The experts at Cooper’s Plumbing & Air, a trusted AC repair company in Tallahassee, FL, are here to answer that question.
Discover common reasons why people may turn off their air conditioners and whether it’s safe to do so in this informative guide.
Benefits of Turning Your Air Conditioning Off During the Summer
Giving your HVAC system a break after prolonged use each summer can be extremely beneficial. Below are some of the biggest advantages of shutting off the air conditioner throughout the summer.
Energy Savings
Leaving the air conditioner running constantly drastically increases your energy consumption. You’ll likely pay more in the summer if you keep the unit at full blast without any breaks. Turning the system off for a few days here and there decreases your energy usage and will result in lower utility bills.
Reduced Strain on the System
Is it bad to turn the AC off in the summer? If you’re hoping to keep your air conditioner working for many years without issue, the answer is “no.” Giving your unit breaks during peak cooling season prevents it from sustaining damage due to overuse.
Limiting the wear and tear on your air conditioner prevents the need for costly repairs and helps extend the lifespan of your unit. Consider shutting off the unit whenever possible to take advantage of this.
Positive Environmental Impact
Homeowners looking to improve sustainability around the home should plan on turning off the air conditioning during the summer. Not only will you limit your energy consumption and improve your system’s performance, but you’ll also reduce your carbon footprint. This simple change can have a drastic effect on the environment.
Potential Drawbacks of Shutting Off the Air Conditioning
Are you eager to reap the benefits mentioned above? You should consider some of the downsides that come with shutting off your air conditioner during the year’s hottest stretches. See why some people prefer to leave their units on and the issues they avoid by doing so.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
Why is it bad to turn off AC in the summer? For certain demographics, such as the elderly and those with compromised respiratory systems, a lack of air conditioning poses severe health problems. Not running the air conditioning unit leads to higher humidity levels, which can promote the following issues:
- Mold or mildew growth
- Sticky, uncomfortable air
- Peeling paint or wallpaper
High humidity diminishes the indoor air quality and can lead to difficulty breathing for those with asthma or other pre-existing conditions. Leave your AC on throughout the summer to avoid exacerbating any health concerns.
Pest Concerns
If you choose to turn the air conditioning off, your home might start to attract unwanted pests. Flies, cockroaches, and other insects thrive in warm, humid environments and may decide to nest inside your home. Rather than setting up traps and using repellents, it might be easiest to leave the air conditioning unit on until the weather changes.
Malfunctioning HVAC Components
How is it bad to turn AC off in summer if it will give your cooling system a break? The key is to give the unit enough of a break without straining the system because of frequent restarts.
Some people believe it’s better to turn the air conditioner off before leaving the house and then turn it back on. This can have an adverse effect since some components can break if they endure frequent restarts. You should keep the unit off for extended periods rather than a few hours when you won’t be home.
Tips for Managing Your HVAC System This Summer
Along with “Is it bad to turn AC off in the summer?” one of the top questions HVAC experts receive is, “How can you reduce the strain on your air conditioner?” The following tips should help you save on energy costs without compromising your comfort.
Determine Your Comfort Level
Setting your air conditioner at an extremely low temperature can cause unnecessary additional strain on the system. Figure out the highest temperature that you can comfortably keep the thermostat in your home and try to avoid lowering it throughout the summer.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Investing in a smart thermostat promotes energy savings and gives you the freedom to adjust your home’s temperature when it suits you. Program the thermostat to a higher temperature during periods when no one’s home and have it automatically decrease the temperature when you are home.
Utilize Other Equipment
Your air conditioner helps cool the air and lower humidity levels, but fans and dehumidifiers do the same job without using as much energy. Consider running portable fans in certain rooms and let a dehumidifier remove moisture from the air for optimum comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about air conditioning usage in the summer and the best practices.
How Can You Limit an Air Conditioner’s Wear and Tear?
You can prevent wear on an air conditioning unit by limiting its use and scheduling annual maintenance services.
How Should You Leave Your HVAC System Before a Vacation?
You can either turn the air conditioner off for the duration of your trip or leave it running at a higher temperature.
Is the Air Conditioner the Only Reason for High Energy Bills During the Summer?
No, your water heater contributes to nearly a quarter of your total consumption, according to the Department of Energy.
Contact Cooper’s Plumbing & Air for Reliable HVAC Solutions
Is it bad to turn the AC off in summer? What are a homeowner’s average savings from a new AC? The licensed technicians at Cooper’s Plumbing & Air can answer these questions and more.
Contact us today at (866) 464-7132 if you need a trusted team to inspect your HVAC system and provide your home with cooling relief.