How Arizona Residents Can Save On Air Conditioning Costs

As the weather heats up, I can almost hear my dad shouting at me to close the door, all the way from childhood:

"Were you born in a barn? Why are you trying to cool the outside? Close the door!"

Dad was usually so frustrated, he'd throw in a few expletives for emphasis, but I'll spare you the colorful language.

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As we get deeper into the hot summer months, I'm pretty sure most parents freak out over losing the precious cool air to the sweltering heat outside.

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And if I touched the thermostat for any reason? When Dad found out, I prayed for mercy upon my soul.

Touching the thermostat was considered a Cardinal sin in my household. Similar to Leaving a Light On or Not Washing and Reusing the Plastic Butter Container. If it cost my dad money, a long sermon, followed by my penitence and a promise to NEVER TOUCH THE THERMOSTAT AGAIN, was required to restore balance to the household.

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Is it Better to Leave Your A/C on or Turn It Off When It Gets Hot Outside?

I think the rising cost of EVERYTHING that we're seeing these days seems like an echo of my childhood. Saving precious resources and, therefore, saving money, is returning to the top of our minds in Arizona. I'm beginning to understand why Dad was so concerned with the waste.

It's got me wondering: is it better to turn off the air conditioner when leaving in the morning, or does it take more energy to cool it off when you return home?

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According to experts, it's better to leave your air conditioner on while you're away rather than turning it off completely.

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends increasing the temperature, though. They advise setting the thermostat 7 to 10 degrees higher than your usual comfort level while you're gone for extended periods. This can save up to 10% a year on cooling costs.

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Where to Set Your Thermostat in Arizona Over the Hot Summer

For Arizona summers, experts recommend setting your thermostat to 78°F when your home is occupied and 85°F or higher when you're away.

It's better to leave the air on because turning the A/C off entirely could cause your home to overheat and stress your cooling system. When you do turn the air back on, your system has to work harder to cool the house back down. The extra work can lead to higher energy costs and put an unnecessary strain on your air conditioner.

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The Best Way to Control the Temperature in Your Arizona Home

By far, the best way to control your home's temperature is by using a programmable or smart thermostat. Automating temperature adjustments can ensure your home cools efficiently, and you won't have to worry about forgetting to make the change before leaving for the day.

I guess I wasn't born in a barn after all. I'm heeding Dad's advice and doing everything I can to save money for my family, too.

Sources: US Department of Energy | Direct Energy

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