Home Air Conditioner

Question

My mom and dad argue about the air conditioner being on. My dad will not let it go off by itself(it's set to auto) and says if it runs longer it'll cost more. My mom says if you turn it off and on manually it will shoot the price up. Who is right?

Answer 1

It really depends on the situation.

You can save money if the air conditioner (compressor) will be used in less period of time.

it depends.

Answer 2

The less time the system runs the more money you save! Turn on A/C once the sun goes down and it will cost less with no heat load.

Answer 3

Your dad is right.  

Answer 4

well if its turned off manually and sits for several hours that can save mone y period. so why would you want to dispute that? sure you can preset it also but if you turn it off and on and use different times and stuff and are there to watch it fine but its not going to do nothing but if turned off long periods of time couldhelp hes right.

Answer 5

neither one is correct. by turning the unit off manually the unit has to work harder to cool the air back down. yes it will use less energy being off but when you do turn it back on the unit it has start with hotter air so it will have to run longer. the best thing to do is set it to a comfortable temperature, say 72 degrees, put it on automatic and do not touch the thermostat. just setting the temperature a few degrees higher and let the thermostat control the unit will save the most money

Answer 6

It best to set the t-stat on 75-78 and auto and leave it alone.This is for maximum savings and is far less likely to short cycle the compressor,which is not good for the compressor.