Should You Turn Your AC Up When You’re Not Home?
Should You Turn Your AC Up When You’re
Not Home?
We know running the air conditioning unit all the time is expensive, but will you save money and energy by keeping it at the same temperature continuously, or by raising it higher when you're out of the house?
- It's more energy-efficient to keep your AC on, but set a few degrees higher when you're away from home for the day. Completely turning it off doesn't necessarily save energy, as the unit will have to run longer to cool down a hot house upon your return.
- In hot and humid climates, keeping the AC on but at a higher temperature is also important for reducing humidity levels inside the home, which can prevent mold growth and protect electronics and wood from damage.
- Turning the AC temperature down to a very low setting upon returning home won't cool the house faster but will increase your energy bill, so it's best to maintain a moderate setting.
If You're Leaving Home for the Day or Weekend
Don't turn off the unit entirely if you're simply going to work. If you're just leaving home for the day, it's more energy efficient to keep your air conditioning turned on – but turn it a few degrees higher than you might set it for comfort if you were at home.
If You're Leaving Home for a Longer Period of Time
Tom Wood, General Manager at Accurate Air, recommends not turning your unit completely off. He suggests turning your thermostat approximately 8 degrees higher than you would normally set it. This way it protects your furniture, plants and candles during our extreme temperatures here in Arizona.
Want to Have More Control of Your Temperatures All Day Long?
Many varieties of thermostats can help you control your household temperatures. Consider replacing your current thermostat with a programmable thermostat, which allows you to preset your temperatures. There are also wireless thermostats available that are controlled with an app on your smartphone, so you can control the temperature while you’re away from home.
Call us today at (480)894-2998 if you would like Accurate Air to install one of these thermostats in your home!
Floyd’s Fun Facts
Floyd’s here to share with you some of his favorite facts about the month of August.
- August was named after a major figure of the ancient Roman World, Augustus Caesar. He was the first Roman emperor (though he never claimed the title) and the grandnephew of the previous ruler, Julius Caesar (who named July after himself).
- August 1, traditionally known as Lammas Day, was an old festival to mark the annual wheat
and corn harvest. It was a sort of Thanksgiving (harvest time) in Britain. Lammas also marked the mid-point between the summer solstice and autumn equinox.
- August 26 is Women’s Equality Day, which celebrates the 1920 ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment and, with it, women’s right to vote in the United States.
- August’s full moon, the full Sturgeon Moon, reaches peak illumination on the night of Monday, August 19. For the best view of the full Moon, look skyward that night!
Zucchini Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cup (270g) sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups (360g) packed grated zucchini
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 3/4 cups (400g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup walnuts, optional
- 1 cup raisins or dried cranberries, optional
Recipe
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Coat each muffin cup in your muffin pan with a little butter or vegetable oil spray.
3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Mix in the sugar and vanilla extract. Stir in the grated zucchini and the melted butter.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Stir the dry ingredients into the zucchini mixture. (Do not over-mix!) Stir in walnuts, raisins, or cranberries if using.
6. Use a spoon to distribute the muffin dough equally among the cups, filling the cups up completely, above the surface of the muffin tin.
7. Bake at 350°F on the middle rack until muffins are golden brown, and the top of the muffins bounce back when you press on them, 22 to 30 minutes. Test with a long toothpick or a thin bamboo skewer to make sure the center of the muffins are done.
8. Set on wire rack to cool for 5 minutes. Remove muffins from the tin let cool another 20 minutes.
“I think we dream so we don’t have to be
apart for so long. If we’re in each
other’s dreams, we can be together all
the time."
- Winnie the Pooh
