Your air conditioner keeps you cool, but it also spikes your electricity bill. Heating and cooling accounts for about 43% of a home’s utility usage. Luckily there are some simple habits that will lower that percentage without impacting your comfort. Learn everything you need to know here. 

Set Your Thermostat Temperature 

One of the easiest ways to conserve energy is by adjusting your thermostat temperature. Energy.gov recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit while you are home during the summer. It is cool enough that you don’t feel hot, but not so cool that your AC is working overtime.

For each degree you lower your thermostat temperature, your system uses more energy. Raising the thermostat by just one degree for eight hours can lower your energy bill by 1%. Small changes like that don’t sound like much, but they add up over time.

When you leave home, bump the temperature up by 7 to 10 degrees. You won’t notice the difference when you’re gone, but your AC won’t have to run as often. Making this small change can save you a significant amount on your bill every month.

Invest in a Programmable Thermostat 

Programmable thermostats allow you to pre-plan your home’s cooling needs. You can set a time for it to start cooling before you walk through the door. Then set it so it scales back while you’re away. You don’t have to remember to turn anything on or off.

Smart thermostats take it a step further by learning your schedule and adjusting themselves automatically. Some models sync with your phone, allowing you to change the temperature from anywhere. Either type can reduce your AC’s energy usage without you lifting a finger.

If you aren’t using a smart thermostat already, consider making the switch. They are well worth the upfront costs, and many energy companies offer installation rebates.

Change Your AC’s Air Filter 

Clean filters are crucial to keeping your AC running efficiently. When an air filter is dirty, your system struggles to force air through the blockage. Your air conditioner has to work harder, which costs you more money.

Changing a dirty filter can reduce energy consumption by 5 to 15%. Most air filters should be replaced between once a month and once every three months. How often you need to replace it depends on how often you run your system. If you have pets, you may need to replace them even sooner.

Take a look at your air filter every month. Hold it up to a light. If you can’t see the light coming through it, replace it. Changing your air filter is quick, easy, and keeps your AC running smoothly.

Hang Curtains or blinds 

Direct sunlight can heat up your home quickly. Closing curtains or blinds during the day keeps some of that heat out. Your AC won’t have to compete with the sun to cool down your home.

This is especially true for south-facing and west-facing windows. Rooms with these windows get the hottest afternoon sun. Hanging blackout curtains keeps that heat out and can keep your indoor temperature several degrees cooler.

If you already have curtains, this tip doesn’t cost you anything. If you’re in the market for new curtains, look for ones with thermal or blackout lining.

Seal Doors and Windows 

Cool air loves to escape through even the smallest crack in your windows and doors. Inspect the weather stripping around exterior doors and windows. Replace any that is cracked or looks like it may have worn out.

While your AC is running, keep all doors and windows closed. Letting in a breeze by opening a window actually makes your AC work harder. Your system has to keep fighting to cool your home back down.

You can also check for air leaks around outlets and pipes that go through walls. Plug those up with caulk or expanding foam. The less air that can escape your home, the less your AC has to run.

Turn Off Appliances that Generate Heat 

Did you know that things like light bulbs, ovens and computers give off heat? Not only do they warm your home, but they make your AC work longer to get rid of that heat. Turning off appliances and electronics that you aren’t using helps your home stay cool.

If you have any incandescent or halogen light bulbs, swap them out for LED bulbs. Traditional bulbs emit most of their energy as heat. LED bulbs give off hardly any heat and use less energy overall.

Avoid using your oven or dryer during the hottest times of the day. Use a slow cooker or microwave instead. Cook and wash your laundry in the evening or morning. Less heat from these appliances means cooler air for you.

Use Fans to Enhance Cool Air 

Did you know that your AC actually doesn’t cool the air? It removes heat and humidity from the air to lower the temperature. Ceiling fans can help push that cool air around.

Be sure your fan is rotating counter-clockwise during the summer. When it runs this direction, it creates a cool breeze effect. Just give the small switch on the fan motor a flip to change directions.

Remember to turn off your fan when you leave the room. Fans cool people, not spaces. If no one is in the room, turning it off saves you money.

Have Your AC Maintained Every Year 

An AC that has been tuned up by a professional runs better than one that hasn’t. Once a year, before temperatures skyrocket, someone comes out and checks your AC. They will clean out the coils and refrigerate lines. Your professional should inspect the entire system to ensure it’s running how it should.

Clean coils equal better performance and lower energy costs. Maintenance costs may be pricey, but it will save you money in the long run. Think of regular maintenance like your AC’s oil change.

Make Sure Your Unit is the Right Size

Did you know that if your AC is too large for the room it will cool, it can cause problems? A larger AC will cool the room quickly, turn off, and then start back up again. It keeps doing this all day long. 

This process, called short cycling, wastes energy and damages your AC. A properly sized unit will run longer cycles, keeping your energy bills lower.

If you need a new AC, look at how large a space it can cool comfortably. Match the room you’re cooling to the AC’s square footage. You’ll save money every month by getting a properly sized unit.

There you have it. Everything you need to lower your AC’s energy usage and save you money. Not every tip is going to work for you, and that’s okay. Start with the ones that do and make the switch. You’ll be saving more money before you know it.

Air Conditioner Electricity Use: Case Study Saves 25%

The Problem 

The Smith family had recently noticed their electricity bills steadily increasing each summer. Despite trying to use their air conditioner responsibly, their cooling bills continued to rise each month. They were cooling their house just fine, but it was costing them more money to do so.

After taking a closer look at their cooling costs, the Smith family uncovered some common issues affecting their cooling efficiency:

• Dirty air filter that hadn’t been replaced in over 4 months
• Old manual thermostat 
• Blocked air vents in bedrooms 
• Sun entering home through west-facing windows 
• Outdoor condenser unit covered with vegetation 

The Solution:

With just a few quick fixes, the Smith family was able to lower their cooling costs:

• Installed a new high-quality air filter. 
• Set their thermostat to automatically change temperatures when no one was home.
• Moved furniture away from vents to improve airflow.
• Added blackout curtains to windows facing the sun.
• Trimmed back bushes around the outdoor condenser unit. 
• Had their air conditioner professionally serviced before summer arrived.

The Results:

The Smith family began to see results within the first couple of months:

• Lowered their monthly cooling costs by about 25%
• Noticed improved airflow throughout their home 
• Enjoyed more consistent temperatures 
• Put less strain on their air conditioner 
• Stayed cooler and more comfortable 

Moral of the Story 

Simple maintenance and proper thermostat settings can have a big impact on how much electricity your air conditioner uses. Some homeowners have even seen savings by simply ensuring their home has proper airflow and that their AC system is well maintained and running efficiently.

Does your AC need better insulation? Take advantage of our AC Insulation Discounts to stay cool and save money.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How much electricity does my AC use? 

Electricity usage varies depending on the type and size of your air conditioner. Central air conditioners, for example, typically use more electricity than smaller room cooling units.

Central air conditioners also tend to work harder during hotter months when cooling demand is high.

How can I lower my air conditioning costs?

You can lower your cooling costs by setting your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re not home, ensuring your air conditioner has proper airflow, and by scheduling annual maintenance.

What temperature should I set my thermostat at in summer?

It’s recommended that you keep your thermostat set to approximately 24° C to 26° C (or 75° F to 78° F) when you’re home and awake.

You should set your thermostat higher when you’re away from home or asleep.

Will changing my air filter really save me money?

Yes! A clean air filter equals better airflow and efficiency. When your air filter is clogged with dust and debris, your system must work harder to cool your home.

Is it cheaper to leave my air conditioner on all day?

It is almost always cheaper to raise your thermostat temperature when you leave your home. A programmable or smart thermostat can make it easy to adjust your temperatures while you’re away.

Do ceiling fans reduce air conditioning costs? 

Ceiling fans allow you to raise your thermostat temperature up to 4 degrees without compromising comfort. This reduces the amount of electricity required to cool your home.

How do I know when my AC needs service?

Annual maintenance is recommended to ensure your air conditioner is operating at peak efficiency. If it has been over a year since your last service, it’s time to schedule an appointment.

Can blackout curtains really help me cool my home?

Not only do blackout curtains help you sleep better at night, but they can also reduce the amount of solar heat entering your home. This allows your air conditioner to work less, reducing cooling costs.

Why is my electric bill so high when my AC works fine?

Dirty filters, blocked vents, poor insulation, air leaks, and vegetation entering your home can all negatively impact your cooling efficiency. Did we mention sunlight? 

Will a smart thermostat really save me money?

Smart thermostats can reduce cooling costs for many homeowners by automatically adjusting temperatures when no one is home.

How do I know if my air conditioner is too big or too small?

If your system is too big, it will shorten the cycle. If your system is too small, it will not cool your home adequately. Contact us for a load calculation to find out if your system is properly sized.