When it comes to leaving the air conditioner on while away from home, it's generally more energy-efficient to turn it off or set it to a higher temperature. Running an air conditioner when nobody is at home can waste a significant amount of energy and result in higher electricity bills. However, there are situations where leaving the air conditioner on might be necessary, such as when you have pets or specific health concerns that require maintaining a certain temperature indoors.
Regarding other electronics, while they may not directly affect the air conditioner's cooling capacity, they can still contribute to overall energy usage in your home. Some electronics consume power even when in standby mode, and these energy vampires can add up over time. Turning off or unplugging non-essential electronics and appliances can help reduce your overall energy consumption and lower your electricity bills.
To optimize energy efficiency:
Air conditioner: Set the thermostat to a higher temperature or use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature while you're away. Many modern thermostats also allow remote control through smartphone apps, so you can adjust the settings even if you've already left.
Electronics: Unplug or turn off non-essential electronics and appliances before leaving home. This includes items like TVs, computers, chargers, gaming consoles, and other standby-powered devices.
Power strips: Consider using power strips with surge protectors to make it easier to turn off multiple electronics at once. Some advanced power strips can even automatically cut power to devices when they go into standby mode.
By taking these steps, you can reduce your energy consumption and environmental impact, as well as potentially save on your energy bills.