On or Auto: Which AC Setting Costs Less?

With a hot Chicagoland summer approaching, it’s time to think about your A/C. Nobody likes having to blow their summer budget on ridiculously high energy bills, so it’s useful to find ways to curb the cost of your home cooling system.

A common–and important–question that homeowners often have about their A/C involves the ON and AUTO settings. Which one is better? Will using one or the other save money in the long run?

Choosing the ON Setting

The ON setting on your A/C activates the unit to run constantly and cool your home indefinitely. When your air conditioner is constantly running, it can cause your monthly energy bill to skyrocket. It also pulls in more dust throughout the day, clogging your air filter. A clogged filter that goes unchecked can lead to maintenance issues over time, as can an AC compressor.

Choosing the Auto Setting

The AUTO setting on your A/C activates the unit any time the internal thermometer reads higher than your set temperature. If you set your preferred temperature very low, your air conditioner is still going to run longer than necessary. But using the AUTO setting with a reasonable set temperature will keep your energy costs low, especially if you turn your unit off when you’re away from home or asleep.

Whether you’re using the ON or AUTO setting, a clean air conditioner will always run more efficiently than one that hasn’t had a tune-up. The best and easiest way to save money on your energy bills this summer is to get your yearly Four Seasons A/C Tune-up before the heat hits. If you are in the market for a new air conditioning unit, contact us for a free quote. The AC unit cost in Chicago can vary depending on factors such as brand, capacity, and installation requirements.

If you are looking for a new air conditioning unit and are wondering what the air conditioner replacement cost might be, give us a call.