Should You Turn Off Your Heater or AC When You’re Not at Home?

Most homeowners want to partake in environmentally responsible heating and cooling practices for a variety of reasons, including the prosperity of their own pocketbooks! You may be wondering, however, it is more energy efficient to leave your air conditioning or heating systems on all day, even when you are not inside of your home.

The short answer is that it largely depends on the health and age of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system as well as the size and type of home that you live in. Working with well-qualified HVAC contractors in Bridgeport, CT is the best way to ensure that you are employing a successful and energy-conscious utility usage strategy.

Keeping cool

Air conditioning is a modern luxury that has made it possible for human beings to stay comfortable even when the mercury rises to uncomfortable heights. Running home air conditioners, however, typically requires massive amounts of electricity.

If you are leaving your home for more than a few hours, you should always turn it off. While it is true that air conditioning systems run most efficiently after they are already in a chilling cycle, they should not be left on unattended for more than a couple of hours at a time.

Additionally, you can lessen the strain on your air conditioner by drawing your blinds and ensuring that all of your doors and windows are tightly closed.

Don’t let the fire die out

It is almost universally recognized, however, that you should never turn your heater off completely in the wintertime, unless you live in an area that does not see frequent freezes and snows. Most homeowners should leave their heaters running at least on a low setting.

This should be done for several reasons, including the fact that by turning your heater all the way off, you are essentially leaving your home exposed to any adverse environmental conditions that may be present at the time. This may result in frozen pipes and damage caused by excessive condensation on walls and wooden support beams. Leaving your home unheated throughout the winter can cause a substantial amount of costly damage, and may even promote the growth of molds and mildew that are detrimental to your health.

It is recommended that you maintain a temperature of at least 60 degrees with your heating system at all times. This will allow warmer air to penetrate deep within your home, and keep condensation from forming on sensitive structures. It will also help you prevent bursting pipes and other undesirable phenomena. You should always consult with qualified HVAC contractors in Bridgeport, CT, however, to ascertain exactly what temperature is best suited for your HVAC system and your living space.

Since 1993, BLM Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning has been one of the premier HVAC contractors in Bridgeport, CT. You can count on us to deliver high-quality, dependable HVAC services that will keep your home comfortable and in good structural shape. We are dedicated to ensuring that each and every one of our clients receives the highest standards of care, and we will work with you extensively to identify the HVAC solutions that suit you and your lifestyle the best.

Categorised in: HVAC Contractors

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