Should you turn up the thermostat on windows A/C's or turn them off when not in a room? What costs less elec.?

Question

My roomate and I are always fighting on this one I say if away less than 6-8 hours better to turn it up and leave it on so there is no need to recool and dehumidfy the room. I think that saves the most mpney. My roomate is more of the leave the room, even for 15 minutes then you should turn off the a/c just like the lights to save money. In Hawaii, our electric rates are ridiculously high as it is and to really know the right answer would be very helpful.

Answer 1

There are new a/c window units that are equipped with thermostats just like a normal central air unit does. You set the desired temperature and it turns on and off when the desired temperature is reached. It takes more energy to cool a space that is hot because it takes longer for the temp to come down. So the best is to leave it alone and don't turn it off. If your roommate is worried about the electric bills talk him/her into purchasing a window unit that has this feature and you both win (and save money).

Answer 2

off uses no electricity.

Answer 3

You are correct