Is it better to keep AC on or off when you're out? Here's what experts say.

Having air conditioning at home is a luxury that keeps people comfortable during the hottest months of the year, and it's debated whether the AC should stay on or be turned off when people leave during the day.

Some swear that turning off the AC when they're gone for a few hours is the most energy-efficient, cost -saving method. Others say it's better to leave it running continuously, preventing the system from straining to rapidly cool the house down after the home has gotten warmer throughout the day.

Three experts interviewed by The Associated Press agreed that setting the thermostat a few degrees higher than normal while you're away is generally the best way to balance energy efficiency against comfort and humidity.

While turning an AC unit off for several hours and turning it b