Get matched with top heating and air conditioning pros in Auburn, MI

No, it isn’t necessarily bad to turn your AC on and off frequently—contrary to popular belief. Even if you stop and start your AC throughout the day, it won’t use as much energy as it would if you ran it nonstop. 

If you’re concerned about your power consumption and energy costs, there are a few simple ways to use your AC more efficiently. Regularly cleaning the filters, scheduling routine maintenance, and using a programmable thermostat are all great choices.

If possible, avoid placing furniture in front of a return air vent. A blocked air vent can cause your HVAC system to use more energy, which in turn can lower the life span of your unit and raise your energy bill. Furniture can also trap hot or cold air, damaging your furniture or appliances. 

Professional duct installers suggest leaving between six and 12 inches of space in front of an air return vent. If you must place furniture in front of a return air vent, try to aim for putting furniture over a floor vent instead of in front of a wall vent, and avoid draping curtains over any vent system.

It all depends on the unit’s SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio). A higher SEER rating means better efficiency and lower costs for your energy bills. 

Take a look at the product you’re considering purchasing and compare it to other models to decide which one is affordable upfront but will keep your energy costs low over time.

While personal preferences widely vary, sleep experts say the best temperature for sleeping is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit rather than 78. If you do choose to sleep with your AC unit tuned to 78 degrees, you might want to use only a sheet or light blanket rather than a comforter. You might also consider installing a window unit in your bedroom so that you can be cooler in bed without wasting energy cooling the whole house.