[jenlovestoteach]

I try to keep the windows open for cross ventilation all the time and just throw the AC on 74 for a few minutes to take the humidity out. Today that's not cutting it. Is it better for me to keep the A/C on 74 for the afternoon or to put it on and off only when I'm in the office? I know that turning things on and off wastes energy, but I'm not sure which is better for the environment (and my electric bill!).

Do you keep it on for hours even if you're in and out of the room or should you only have it on when you're in the room?

[fuzzyboo]

With AC it is better to leave it on, because it takes more energy to cool the house down than it does to keep it at a steady temp. If you are going to be gone all day then I would leave it off, and flip it on when you get home.

[jenlovestoteach]

I have it on energy saver mode at 76 right now. I'm going to go run some errands. Better to keep it on?

[KeizerMom]

If you're only going to be gone a short time then you should leave it on, it's easier on the A/C to maintain the temp than to re-cool the room. However, if you'll be gone for long periods of time, for instance if it's your home A/C and you go to work, you should turn it off, you can, however, usually set it to turn back on 1/2 an hour to an hour before you return so that it's cooled off some before you get there.

If your A/C doesn't have a timer option you might look into one of those electrical cords that are usually used to set timers for lights when you're on vacation. Check that the voltage is compatible of course.

If it's a work A/C and you'll be gone home overnight, or a home office, I'd again only use it when you're there, leave it running if you'll be gone 2 hours or so, set it to turn back on an hour before you plan to return.

YMMV

[GiddyMoon]

Try setting it a few degrees higher. We now have ours set at 79 and it does very well..and the other day it was 110 here.

[MarissasMommy]

We also have our A/C set at 78-79 and it works great for us. It keeps the hmidity out and it is comfortable with out being to hot. But if it isn't around 90 or higher I won't turn on the A/C I just open all of my windows and use window fans to bring in air.