When to Leave Your AC On or Turn It Off
With temperatures consistently over 35°C and hot, restless nights, many people are wondering about the best way to use their air conditioners, especially when thinking about leaving them on for days. We asked a major air conditioner manufacturer, Daikin Industries, for their advice.
Short Errands and AC Use
It's common to wonder if you should leave your AC on for a quick trip out. Hisano Noda from Daikin's public relations team explained that if you're only going to be out for about 30 minutes during the day, it's actually more energy-efficient to leave the AC on rather than turning it off. This is because air conditioners use the most power when they first start up. So, for absences longer than 30 minutes, it's more economical to switch it off.
Continuous AC Use: Is It Safe?
According to Noda, there are times when continuous AC operation is necessary, like when elderly people or babies are in the house. Manufacturers design air conditioners to handle continuous use, and there are no immediate safety concerns with leaving them on for extended periods.
However, Noda did mention that running your AC continuously can make parts wear out faster and potentially shorten the product's lifespan. While it won't break right away, turning off the AC when you don't need it can help it last longer.
Smart Tips for Efficient AC Use
Here are a few ways to use your AC more efficiently:
- Use the "on" timer: If you don't like coming home to a hot house, use the timer function to have your AC turn on before you arrive.
- Clean your filter regularly: Daikin suggests cleaning your air conditioner filter every two weeks during periods of frequent use. This is a crucial step for saving energy.
by MagazineKey4532