Living in the desert, Tucsonans know how important it is for people (and pets!) to stay cool in the hot summer months. Contrary to some beliefs, it’s only super hot in Tucson, AZ for around 3 months, the normal length of a season. It’s not hot season year round or anything; did you know it sometimes snows in Tucson and when it does it is magical.
I like think of Tucson summers kind of like winters in other states where you can go outside but usually spend more time indoors. As warm as it is, there is indeed beauty in every situation. During hot summers, waking up at dawn to spend time in nature is a very pleasant experience and almost a ritual for many natives. Evenings are also prime time for night owls, werewolves, and vampires to enjoy being outdoors.
Since the temperatures do reach triple digits in the summer, strong, working air conditioning is a common luxury in local homes and businesses. It might sounds funny, but it is not uncommon for people to bring a light jacket when going to stores, malls, movies because the air is so icy cold!
I want to share some tips for saving money on your air conditioning bill. Do you know what is better and more efficient? Should you leave the air running all day while you are at work to keep the air running steadily or should your turn your air conditioning off while you are at to work and then turn it back on when you get home?
I’ve heard arguments for both and my brother actually owns an air conditioning business called Baker Mobile Aire and this is what he recommends but the answer isn’t black and white.
If you have pets in the home, sensitive plants or a person who will be in the space it might not be best to turn the air conditioning off completely however raising it by a few degrees could save you a fair amount of energy and money. ACCEE estimates that air conditioners use 3 to 5 percent less energy for every degree you raise the thermostat higher. To get the best energy savings, if you don’t want to turn it off entirely, leave your thermostat set at 78 degrees or higher when you are away.
If you are comfortable shutting off the unit completely, it would indeed save you a fair amount of money and help your air conditioner work for more efficiently. While it might seem like your unit has to work harder to cool down a space from 80ish to 75ish degrees, air conditioning systems actually run most efficiently when they are running at full speed, opposed to shorter periods at a lesser speed to maintain constant temperature. Another benefit is they are better at dehumidifying your house when they run at full speeds, a bonus is dry Tucson heat!
A newer thing on the market that is super high tech, but also simple and easy to use, convenient and amazing is a Programmable Thermostat like the Nest Learning Thermostat.
This Thermostat is neat because it is controlled by an app on your cell phone. If you forget to adjust the air but are out and about, no problem, you can adjust the temperature wirelessly. It also has the capability to to learn your habits. Maybe while you are away at work the Nest is set the increase degrees to save energy then right before you get home, it air could start cooling so it’s nice and comfortable when you walk in the door.
If you decide to purchase think of me & use my affiliate link.
Have a great day,
Tony Ray
(520) 631-TONY (8669)
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