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Should You Turn Your Air Conditioner off When Not Home?

Cassie Pound, owner of Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric
Published by
Cassie Pound
June 8, 2025
Should You Turn Your Air Conditioner off When Not Home?

Only 18.6% of Oklahoma residents work from home, which might sound surprising until you compare it to Colorado, where nearly 40% do. If you commute like most Oklahomans, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Should I turn off the air conditioner when not home?”

In this blog post, you’ll learn how different thermostat settings affect your energy use, what happens when your AC runs all day, and how to keep your home comfortable without wasting money.

If you’ve run your AC too long in the past or just want a quick checkup before summer hits, contact Quality Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electric for the best AC repair services in Kiefer, OK.

Leaving the AC Running Wastes Energy

If no one is home, why should you keep paying to cool the house? Running your AC all day in Kiefer, OK, wastes electricity and drives up your bill without giving you anything in return.

Your system burns energy hour after hour, fighting heat that no one feels. This raises your cooling costs and shortens the life of your unit.

If you want real utility bill savings, it makes more sense to turn the temperature up or shut the system off while you’re away from home.

Turning It Off Completely Causes Other Problems

Turning your AC off while you’re away can help save energy and unnecessary AC repair services in Sapulpa, OK, but it comes with trade-offs.

Letting your house heat up fully leads to large temperature swings that make your system work harder when it turns back on. If indoor humidity builds up, it can cause moisture damage or mold.

Poor home temperature control like this adds stress to your air conditioner and shortens the lifespan of the entire HVAC system, especially during long, hot summers in Kiefer.

Adjust the Thermostat Instead of Turning It Off

Instead of shutting your system off, raise the thermostat before you leave. Setting it to around 85°F saves energy without overheating your home. This approach keeps humidity in check and gives your AC a break, which helps it run more efficiently and prevents the frequent need for AC repair in Bartlesville, OK

Using strategic thermostat settings like this improves energy efficiency and lowers strain on your system. You stay comfortable, avoid extra wear on your equipment, and reduce waste just by adjusting the temperature when no one is home.

Smart Thermostats Can Make the Decision for You

If you’ve been wondering, “Should I turn off the air conditioner when not home?” a smart thermostat can make the decision for you.

It adjusts the temperature automatically while you’re away and starts cooling again before you get back. This helps you stay comfortable without wasting energy. By using smart thermostat settings, you reduce strain on your system and lower your monthly bills. It’s an easy way to save money and stay in control without having to remember to change the temperature yourself.

Less Run Time Means Longer System Life

The more your AC runs, the faster its internal parts wear down and the more it requires the attention of an AC repair contractor in Owasso. By turning the thermostat up when you’re not home, you cut back on daily run time. This gives the compressor, blower, and motor a chance to rest.

Less strain means fewer breakdowns and fewer repairs over time. It also keeps your system running smoothly through more seasons.

If you want to extend your HVAC system’s lifespan, reducing how often it runs is one of the easiest ways to do it. For expert AC repairs in Broken Arrow, Tulsa & Muskogee, contact us today to ensure your system runs efficiently.

What To Do if Humidity Becomes a Problem in Kiefer, OK.

If you’ve been asking, “Should I turn off the air conditioner when not home?” humidity is one thing to keep in mind. Air can get trapped and make your house feel muggy, even when you use a thermostat setback. Use a dehumidifier or increase ventilation to keep moisture levels down.

Avoid sealing your home too tightly during the day. Light airflow helps with home temperature control and improves energy efficiency. These small changes keep your air dry and your system running smoothly.

The Best Way To Keep Your Home Comfortable Without Wasting Energy in Kiefer, OK

If you’ve been asking, “Should I turn off the air conditioner when not home?” the smartest choice is to raise the thermostat while you’re away. This lowers cooling costs, improves energy efficiency, and reduces strain on your system.

But if your AC runs nonstop, blows warm air, or makes unusual noises, something’s already wrong. Check out our other blog on troubleshooting summer AC failure to find out what’s going on.

For a fast, reliable heating service in Kiefer, contact Quality Heating Cooling Plumbing & Electric to schedule an inspection, get expert recommendations, or fix any AC problems before the heat in Kiefer, OK, gets worse.

Cassie Pound, owner of Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric
Published by
Cassie Pound

Cassie Pound is the Vice President of Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric with locations in Tulsa, Glenpool, and Bartlesville, Oklahoma.