Should You Turn Your AC off When You Leave Your Home?

During the summer season in Winnipeg, managing indoor temperatures efficiently becomes essential for both comfort and energy control. At Fair Service Heating & Air Conditioning, we aim to provide clear, practical information about the best way to operate your AC in Winnipeg, especially when you're not home.

Many homeowners wonder whether it's more efficient to shut off the air conditioning completely or let it run while they're away. The answer depends on the length of your absence and your home's specific cooling needs.

Leaving for the Day: Adjust, Don't Turn Off

If you're leaving your home for the day, such as for work or errands, it's more efficient to leave the Air conditioner running at a slightly higher temperature rather than turning it off entirely.

Recommended Approach:

●      Set your thermostat 3–5°C higher than your usual setting.

●      Keep blinds or curtains closed to reduce solar heat gain.

●      Ensure all windows and doors are sealed.

Why This Works:Turning your AC off completely allows indoor temperatures to rise significantly, especially during Winnipeg's hot afternoons. When you return and restart the system, it must work harder and longer to bring the cooling back, consuming more energy in a short burst. Keeping the system running at a moderate setting prevents temperature extremes and maintains humidity control.

Leaving for Vacation: Consider Turning It Off

If you're planning to leave for several days or more, such as during a vacation, turning the air conditioner off or setting it to a minimal level can be more efficient. In this case, you can:

●      Turn the AC off completely if the home will remain unoccupied.

●      Alternatively, set the thermostat to 28–30°C to reduce strain on the system while preventing excessive humidity build-up.

Extended operation without occupants provides little benefit, and, short-term humidity is less of a concern compared to southern regions. However, in homes with sensitive electronics indoor plants, or wooden furnishings, maintaining some air circulation may still be recommended.

Use Programmable Thermostats for Better Control

To manage these adjustments efficiently, a programmable or smart thermostat can automate temperature settings based on your schedule. Benefits include:

●      Automatically raising the temperature during absences.

●      Returning to preferred settings before you arrive home.

●      Reducing manual changes and energy waste.

These systems offer added precision and convenience, especially in homes with variable occupancy throughout the week.

Maintain Comfort Without Wasting Energy

The efficient operation of your AC depends on how long your home will be unoccupied. For short trips, adjusting the thermostat is more efficient than turning the unit off. For extended absences, shutting it down entirely or setting it to a minimal level can save energy without compromising the system.

Fair Service Heating & Air Conditioning has over 20 years of experience in AC installation, repair and maintenance. Our team is licensed and proudly holds an A+ rating from the Winnipeg Better Business Bureau. Contact our team to schedule a consultation or learn more about how we can support your cooling system's performance year-round.