Haha's Heating and Cooling

  A lot of homeowners do the same thing before leaving the house for work or a weekend trip. They walk past the thermostat and think: “Why am I paying to cool an empty house?” So they turn the air conditioner completely off. It sounds like an easy way to save electricity. But during a Kansas City summer, shutting the AC off completely is not always the smartest move. The better strategy usually depends on how long you will be gone, how hot it is outside, and how much humidity your home holds. Leaving for a Few Hours If you are leaving for work, shopping, or spending the afternoon away from home, turning the AC completely off usually provides little benefit. Instead, raise the thermostat several degrees. For example, if you normally keep the home around 72 to 74 degrees, allowing it to rise into the upper 70s while you are gone can reduce cooling demand without letting the house become extremely hot. When you return, lower the thermostat back to your normal setting. Ther...