Not Cool! Why Is My AC Electric Bill so High?

When the weather starts to get warm, you rely on your home’s air conditioning system to help you stay cool indoors. Unfortunately, this often means an increase in your home’s electricity bill.

If you’re like most homeowners, you spend an average of $104 per month for electricity throughout the year. While that number will go up during the warmer months, the change shouldn’t be too dramatic.

When your ac electric bill is higher than it should be, it’s always important to identify the cause of that energy increase.

Here are a few of the most common air conditioning problems that can cause spikes in your electric bill.

Cool Air Is Leaking Out the Ductwork

Central air conditioning systems are the most common types of residential systems. The system sends air through hidden air ducts in your home to help cool your space.

When the air ducts are in good condition, each room receives the cool air it needs quickly and efficiently. Unfortunately, it’s normal for air ducts to develop leaks over time.

Those leaks cause your cool, air-conditioned air to seep out of the ductwork instead of reaching the rooms you’re trying to cool. This causes your air conditioner to work harder just to bring each room down to your ideal temperature.

The more your AC unit has to work, the more energy it uses up and the higher your average air conditioning bill will be each month.

If you think you have leaking air ducts, schedule an appointment with your HVAC technician and let them inspect the system.

Your Air Filters Are Dirty

All air conditioning units bring air from outside the home to help keep the air inside your house fresh and clean. That air has to pass through high-quality air filters that remove impurities like pollen, allergens, and dirt.

Eventually, those filters will get dirty, making it harder for air to pass through them. This forces your air conditioner to work overtime to cool your home.

Take a moment to check your air filters and see if they look clogged. If the normally white filter looks dirty, replace it. You can pick up replacement filters at most supermarkets and local hardware stores.

As a general rule, you should replace your filters once every three months. This will help you keep your AC bill as low as possible throughout the warmest months.

You Can’t Remember When It Had a Tune-Up

Air conditioners need regular tune-ups to work properly. During these appointments, your HVAC technician will inspect the entire unit to make sure it’s working optimally.

If they discover any issues or minor problems, they’ll be able to make the repairs quickly so your unit will work efficiently.

Neglecting those regular tune-ups is a great way to cause your air conditioning bill to increase month after month. The more the internal components get worn down, the harder your AC unit has to work to cool your home.

If you can’t remember the last time you scheduled a tune-up, make an appointment as soon as possible. This way, you’ll catch parts that are starting to fail before they completely shut down your AC system.

The System Is Old

HVAC technology consistently improves year after year and older units just aren’t going to be as efficient as newer models. Your overly high electric bill could be a sign that it’s time to upgrade your system.

The average central air conditioning system lasts for up to 15 years with regular care and maintenance.

Think about how long you’ve had your current HVAC system in place and how often you’ve gotten it serviced. If the system is close to 15 years old or you haven’t kept up with maintenance, it could be time to invest in a new system.

Once you get the new air conditioner installed, you’ll likely see a huge decrease in your monthly electric bill.

The System Is the Wrong Size for Your Home

Air conditioners are not a one-size-fits-all appliance. The system needs to be properly sized for your house and your cooling needs.

If the system is too large, it won’t adequately cool your home and will still use more electricity than it should anytime it kicks on. If it’s too small, the system will have to run almost constantly to keep your home close to your ideal temperature.

The best thing you can do is get your unit inspected. If your technician determines that the unit is the wrong size for your house, you’ll need to replace it as soon as possible.

Otherwise, you’ll end up with a home that’s less comfortable and an energy bill that keeps going through the roof.

The Thermostat Is Faulty

Believe it or not, high ac electric bills aren’t always caused by air conditioners. Often, they’re caused by faulty thermostats.

When you set the thermostat, you expect it to communicate your preferred temperature to your air conditioning unit. Once the system cools the space to that temperature, the system will turn off and won’t turn back on until the thermostat tells it to.

Thermostats that work properly will do this without issue. However, if your thermostat’s broken or isn’t working right, your air conditioner may not know when to turn on or off. This can cause your energy bills to skyrocket.

Luckily, it’s an easy fix. Your HVAC technician can repair or replace your thermostat and restore your AC unit’s functionality in a matter of minutes.

Check These Things and Lower Your AC Electric Bill

If you’re worried about paying an overly high AC electric bill, do a little investigating around your house. Check for these common causes of high electric bills and see if you can identify the issue.

Once you do, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment and get your air conditioner inspected by a licensed professional. They’ll be able to make sure your unit is working as efficiently as possible.

Ready to speak to an expert? Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let our team help you keep your air conditioner running well for years to come.