As summer temperatures soar, many homeowners grapple with a common dilemma: should the air conditioning be left running while away, or is it more economical to switch it off? Some advocate for powering down units entirely, believing it to be the most energy-efficient and cost-saving approach. Others contend that continuous operation is better, preventing the system from overworking to cool a significantly warmed home upon return.
However, three experts consulted by The Associated Press offer a nuanced solution: adjusting the thermostat a few degrees higher than normal while absent generally strikes the best balance between energy efficiency, comfort, and humidity control.