When you leave your home for hours and the air conditioner (AC) is running, it will impact the electricity usage in several ways:
Wasted Energy: If you leave your AC running at the same cooling level as when you're home, it will continue to cool an empty space, wasting electricity. This unnecessary cooling can increase your electricity bill.
Constant Operation: In some cases, leaving the AC running for extended periods without any adjustments can lead to constant operation, causing additional wear and tear on the system and potentially reducing its overall lifespan.
Temperature Regulation: Depending on the weather conditions outside, leaving the AC on while you're away may result in overcooling the indoor environment, which can also lead to increased energy consumption.
Heat Infiltration: If your home has air leaks or poor insulation, leaving the AC running may not be sufficient to maintain a consistent temperature, as warm air from outside can seep in and force the AC to work harder.
To optimize your air conditioner's electricity usage when leaving your home for hours:
Raise the Thermostat Setting: If you'll only be away for a few hours, consider raising the thermostat setting a few degrees higher than your usual comfort level. This reduces the cooling load on the AC while keeping the indoor environment reasonably comfortable.
Use a Programmable Thermostat: Investing in a programmable or smart thermostat allows you to set specific schedules for cooling. You can program it to reduce cooling while you're away and resume your preferred comfort settings before you return.
Turn It Off: If you'll be gone for an extended period, you can turn off the AC entirely to avoid any unnecessary energy consumption. Modern AC systems typically don't take an excessive amount of energy to cool down a space when you return.
Improve Home Insulation: Ensuring your home is well-insulated and sealed can help minimize heat infiltration, making it easier for your AC to maintain a consistent indoor temperature.
By being mindful of your AC usage when leaving your home for hours, you can reduce energy waste and keep your electricity bills under control. Additionally, practicing energy-efficient habits contributes to environmental conservation by reducing your carbon footprint.