Is it Safe To Leave A Window AC Running While Not Home?
If you’re like most people, you probably rely on your air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable during the hotter months of the year. But what do you do when you have to leave your home for an extended period of time? Should you turn off your AC or leave it running?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the type of AC unit you have, the temperature outside, and the temperature you set your AC to. In general, it’s best to turn off your AC unit if you’re going to be away from home for more than a few hours, but this is really done to save money and to use less energy.
There are some situations where it’s perfectly OK to leave your AC running, such as if you have pets at home who will need to stay cool in the hot weather. This is generally quite safe for the home and AC unit, plus it’s safer for the pets.
Types of AC Units
There are two main types of air conditioners: central AC units and window AC units. Central AC units are large units that are typically installed in homes with forced-air heating systems. Window AC units are smaller units that can be installed in any window.
Central AC units are more expensive to operate than window AC units, so if you’re going to be gone for more than a few hours, it’s best to turn them off. Window AC units are less expensive to operate, so if you’re only going to be gone for a few hours, you can leave them running. However, there are some things you should keep in mind if you choose to leave your window AC unit running while you’re away from home.
First, make sure the unit is properly installed in the window so that it can’t fall out. Second, set the temperature no lower than 76 degrees Fahrenheit so that the unit doesn’t have to work too hard while you’re gone.
Make sure you inspect the unit occasionally to ensure it’s working properly before you decide to leave it running when you are out.
- Is the unit’s cord in good condition?
- Is the unit properly mounted in your window?
- Are the filters cleaned?
- Does the unit make any weird noise, creaks, groans, or sparks the it shouldn’t?
If you answered these in a way that makes the unit seem safe, you’re good to go.
Conclusion
In general, it’s best to turn off your air conditioner when you’ll be away from home for more than a few hours. However, there are some situations where it’s okay to leave your AC running. If you have a window AC unit and you’re only going to be gone for a few hours, make sure the unit is properly installed in the window and set the temperature no lower than 78 degrees Fahrenheit before leaving.