Which factor can lead to increased residential air conditioning load?

The choice regarding not turning off the air conditioning (A/C) when leaving for extended periods is linked to increased residential air conditioning load because it directly affects the duration and efficiency of the cooling process. When the A/C continues to operate while the home is unoccupied, it maintains a cool temperature unnecessarily, leading to excessive energy consumption. This not only results in higher energy bills but also places additional demand on the air conditioning system, ultimately increasing its load.

In contrast, utilizing a programmable thermostat can optimize energy usage by automatically adjusting temperatures based on occupancy, which helps in reducing the load when the house is empty. Covering windows with thermal curtains helps insulate the home from outside temperatures, reducing the cooling load on the A/C system by keeping the indoor environment cooler. Regular maintenance of the A/C unit ensures that it operates at peak efficiency, which also reduces the cooling load by preventing overworking of the system. Each of these alternatives contributes to decreasing the energy demand, unlike the operation of the A/C when the home is unoccupied.