Turning down the thermostat does save more energy compared to setting it higher but leaving the air conditioner (AC) on low. When you lower the thermostat temperature, the AC unit works to cool the air until the desired temperature is reached and then shuts off. On the other hand, leaving the AC on low with a higher thermostat setting means that the AC continues to run, albeit at a lower intensity, for a longer duration.
Here's why turning down the thermostat is more energy-efficient:
Compressor Cycling: The compressor is the primary energy-consuming component of an AC system. When the thermostat is set to a lower temperature, the compressor runs until that temperature is reached and then cycles off. This results in intermittent periods of high energy usage followed by periods of no energy consumption.
Constant Operation: When the AC is left on low with a higher thermostat setting, the compressor remains active, and the AC runs continuously at a reduced capacity. This constant operation leads to a steady energy consumption without the benefit of intermittent periods of rest.
By allowing the AC to cycle off when the desired temperature is achieved, turning down the thermostat helps save energy. The longer the AC operates continuously, the more energy it consumes, negating any potential savings that might be gained from raising the thermostat setting.
To optimize energy efficiency, it's generally recommended to set the thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature during cooling mode. This reduces the workload on the AC system and results in energy savings. Additionally, using programmable thermostats or smart thermostats can help automate temperature adjustments based on occupancy patterns, further improving energy efficiency and reducing costs.