Have you ever wondered “does turning the AC on and off cost more than just leaving it running?” It’s one of the most common questions from homeowners around Westfield, Carmel, Zionsville, Noblesville, Fishers, and nearby Greater Indianapolis communities. It’s also an important question, especially when managing energy usage and staying on top of regular HVAC maintenance.
What Happens When You Turn Your AC Off and On?
There are pros and cons to turning your air conditioning on and off versus always leaving it on. When you shut off your system while you’re away or when temperatures cool down naturally, you save energy by not further cooling an empty house. When you turn the system back on, however, it has to work harder to bring the indoor temperature down again, especially if the house’s internal temperature has increased significantly. This short-term gain in energy savings may come with a long-term cost. Constantly cycling your AC off and on can strain your compressor, fan motors, and other components. If your air conditioning system is older or hasn’t had regular HVAC maintenance, that wear and tear adds up.
Leaving the AC On: Comfort and Consistency
Letting your air conditioner run throughout the day maintains a consistent temperature and humidity level. It also prevents the system from starting up and shutting down repeatedly, which uses more energy than keeping a set temperature. This strategy makes sense during peak heat, especially in Indiana’s hot and humid summers. Your AC doesn’t have to play catch-up each time it kicks back on, and your home stays more comfortable overall. It also means your system operates more smoothly with fewer spikes in energy use.
Turning the AC Off: When and Why It Might Make Sense
If your home is well-insulated and you will be away for an extended period, turning your AC off or setting it to a higher temperature can help you save energy. Smart thermostats make this process easy by letting you schedule temperature changes and adjust settings remotely. The key is moderation. Instead of shutting off your AC completely, consider setting the thermostat to a higher temperature (around 78-85 degrees) while you’re away. Then bring it back down just before you return. This approach wisely balances savings and system strain.
Our Expert Recommendation: Maintain Consistent Cooling for Optimal Efficiency
Based on more than 25 years of local HVAC experience in Central Indiana, Precision Comfort Systems recommends homeowners maintain a consistent indoor temperature during the cooling season to help their AC systems perform at their best. While it may seem efficient to turn the air conditioning off completely during the day when you’re away, this approach often forces the system to work much harder when you turn it back on. That extra effort can use more energy than maintaining a steady, comfortable indoor environment.
If you do adjust the thermostat, keep the change within a narrow range. Instead of turning the AC off, we advise deviating by only two or three degrees from your preferred setting. Most homeowners feel comfortable between 69°F and 75°F, and small adjustments can help you save energy without pushing your system too hard. For example, if your normal setting is 72°F, raising it to 74°F while you’re out for a few hours strikes a good balance between comfort and conservation.
Why Small Adjustments Are Best
The Department of Energy supports this strategy, which notes that modest temperature adjustments can lead to annual savings of up to 10%. Those potential savings depend on several variables, including your home’s insulation quality, HVAC system performance, and day-to-day weather conditions. Here in Indiana, where summer heat and humidity can fluctuate rapidly, small and consistent changes tend to be more effective and less taxing on your system.
Keeping your AC set within a steady range ensures smooth operation, more reliable cooling, and improved efficiency over time. It also reduces the frequency of major system fluctuations, helping prolong the lifespan of your equipment and minimizing repair needs. By managing your thermostat wisely and sticking with a practical temperature range, you can keep your home more comfortable and your energy usage in check.
A smart thermostat is one way to get the best of both worlds. These devices adjust temperature settings automatically based on your schedule and habits. This automation reduces energy waste while maintaining system efficiency and extending the life of your system by avoiding unnecessary starts and stops.
Optimize Performance with Precision and HVAC Maintenance
Regardless of how you operate your air conditioner, system maintenance is critical. Dirty coils, clogged filters, and low refrigerant can all sabotage efficiency and increase wear. If your AC has been struggling, now is the time to schedule a professional tune-up. Technicians from Precision Comfort Systems know exactly how to get the most from your system, even if it’s older or you’ve overworked it through recent heat waves. We aim to keep your home cool, your system running smoothly, and your energy bills under control. Precision Comfort Systems understands Indiana’s unpredictable weather, and we know what it takes to help an air conditioning system perform reliably throughout extreme summer heat.
Call (317) 867-2665 or reach out online today to schedule HVAC maintenance, air conditioning repairs, or a comprehensive home comfort consultation. Precision Comfort Systems will help your AC system work smarter and last longer, so your home stays cool no matter how high the temperature climbs.