The Pros & Cons of Intermittent vs. Consistent Cooling

The Two Primary Cooling Techniques

We all want to keep our homes cool, especially during the hot summer. But HVAC systems can be quite expensive. As a result, homeowners like yourself are naturally interested in learning about the best way to achieve optimum indoor comfort without wasting energy. For many, this leads to an inevitable question: Is it better to turn the air conditioning on high a few times a day, or should you keep it constantly running at a lower temperature?
At Aire Serv® of Harris, we understand the many nuances of HVAC systems. Our team is always seeking new ways to minimize energy consumption while maximizing cooling. If you’re looking to explore the pros and cons of intermittent cooling vs. consistent cooling, you’ve come to the right place. Hopefully, this blog will help you determine which cooling method is ideal for your home.

Intermittent Cooling

Let’s start with intermittent cooling. This method involves blasting the air conditioning on high a few times daily and then turning it off once your home reaches a comfortable temperature. This technique can help you save energy and money on your utility bills because you are not constantly running your air conditioning and consuming energy.

However, there are downsides as well. First and foremost, you will have to get your home extremely cold if you want your intermittent cooling sessions to last for hours. You may also be tempted to endure uncomfortably warm temperatures as you try to delay turning on your air conditioning again. Plus, if you live in a humid area, you may struggle to get the moisture out of your home if you’re not running the air conditioner constantly.

Last but not least, blasting your AC for an extended period can increase wear and tear on your unit. While short cycling is equally undesirable, putting your AC unit on overdrive for a condensed period can lead to breakdowns and malfunctions – especially on sweltering summer days.

Consistent Cooling

Constant cooling involves running your air conditioning at a low temperature all day without turning it off. The benefits are that you’re always comfortable in your home, no matter what time. You also won’t have to wait for the air conditioner to kick in or need to deal with fluctuating temperatures. However, this method can be expensive and consume excess energy. If you’re not careful, you can also end up overcooling your home, which can lead to health problems like asthma and allergies.

The Best of Both Worlds

Is there a way to get the benefits of intermittent and consistent cooling? The answer is yes! One option is to use a programmable thermostat. This solution will allow you to set your air conditioner to turn on and off at certain times of the day, so you can enjoy intermittent cooling while maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the day.

Another option is to use a smart thermostat, which can learn your habits and adjust your indoor temperature accordingly. This solution will allow you to reap the benefits of constant cold without running your air conditioning all day.

Smart thermostats offer many benefits, including:

Energy Efficiency – Smart thermostats can be designed to automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule and outdoor weather conditions.
Remote Control – Smart thermostats can be controlled anywhere using your smartphone or tablet, meaning you can adjust the settings even when you are not home.
Cost Savings – Smart thermostats might be more expensive than traditional thermostats upfront, but they can save you money over time.
Personalization – If you like your room to be at a certain temperature when sleeping or watching TV, you can customize your smart thermostat to operate the heating and cooling system accordingly.
Environmental Benefits – By using less energy, smart thermostats have a positive impact on the environment. As you expend less electricity and gas, fewer resources are required to power your home, resulting in fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

When It Comes to Cooling, The Final Verdict Is Up to You

Ultimately, there are varying pros and cons to intermittent and constant cooling. You need to decide which method makes the most sense for your lifestyle and budget. If you’re looking to save on energy and utility bills, intermittent cooling might be the way to go. If you value comfort and convenience, then constant cooling might be the better option. And if you’re looking for the best of both worlds, a programmable or smart thermostat might be the perfect solution.

We encourage upgrading your AC unit or investing in a smart thermostat to conserve energy, lower energy bills, and gain better control of indoor temperatures.

Smart thermostats require: