Running Your AC All Day Can Be More Efficient Than Turning It Off, Tests Show
By
Thom Dunn
2h ago· 7 min readenInsight
Summary
Wirecutter conducted a controlled experiment running three different AC units (two Midea U window units and one LG heat pump) across multiple apartments over 24-hour trials to determine the most efficient way to manage indoor cooling. The article challenges the common belief that turning off the AC when you're away saves energy, presenting data showing that running the AC consistently can be more efficient than letting the home heat up and then struggling to cool it back down. The piece provides practical advice on thermostat scheduling, insulation, and AC usage habits based on real-world testing.
Source
bskyRunning Your AC All Day Can Be More Efficient Than Turning It Off, Tests Shownytimes.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledWe ran three AC units over several 24-hour trials to find the most efficient way to manage indoor comfort.
A cold comparisonTo figure out the most efficient way to run our AC, we set up two of the same units (a 12,000-BTU version of the Midea U, our pick) on two different floors of the same apartment building.
The heat pump and one window unit were in apartments that were roughly equal in size—about 1,200 square feet—with windows facing south.
We ran three AC units over several 24-hour trials to find the most efficient way to manage indoor comfort.
You might also wanna read
5 appliances experts say to unplug immediately – they make your home hotter and waste energy in a heatwave
Ideal Home·10d ago
How to keep your house cool without air conditioning during a heatwave
The Independent·1d ago
This is why you need to leave your AC on at home (even when you’re not there)
Time Out Dubai·25d ago
Open Fridge Doors: Energy Waste or Harmless Habit?
cycookery.com
Are portable air conditioners really worth it? I review them for a living and these are the pros and cons everyone…
Ideal Home·23d agoCompact Refrigerator Power Consumption: Understanding Wattage for Energy Efficiency
cycookery.com
Comments
Sign in to join the conversation.
No comments yet. Be the first.