How to Lower Your Air Conditioning Costs

With summer days in Alabama becoming increasingly hot due to climate change, air conditioning can help you stay cool and comfortable. However, it frequently comes at a high cost, especially when the outside temperature reaches 100 degrees.

Running your air conditioner at full blast for extended periods can quickly increase your energy bill. And, with so many of us working remotely, we’re more likely to be at home during the peak midday heat. Use these cooling cost-cutting tips to beat the heat and keep your budget in check this summer.

Tips to Keep Your Costs Down

There’s no denying that air conditioning can help you stay cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. However, it can be a significant drain on your energy costs. If you’re looking for ways to cut your air conditioning costs, here are a few ideas:

• • Close your windows and doors. One of the ways to keep cool air from escaping is to keep your windows closed when the air conditioner is on.
  • Install a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans can help circulate cool air, allowing your air conditioner to work more efficiently.

• Replace your air filter regularly. An air filter that is dirty can cause your air conditioner to work harder than necessary, so replace it once a month or so.
• Invest in a programmable thermostat. Setting your thermostat to turn off the air conditioner when you leave the house will help save you money on your energy bill.
• Think about switching to an energy-efficient AC model. If your air conditioner is over ten years old, it may be time to replace it with a newer, more energy-efficient model. This may save you hundreds of dollars in energy costs each year.
• Place your thermostat correctly. The placement of the thermostat can impact how your air conditioner operates throughout the day and how much you pay for monthly air conditioning bills. For example, a thermostat on a wall that receives a lot of heat from a window will be triggered to turn on more frequently. Moving your thermostat to a cooler location, on the other hand, will ensure that your air conditioner is not running longer than necessary.

Is Your AC Cost Still High?

Unless there are sudden changes in your energy use, your monthly energy bill should be around the same amount, with a slight variation for furnace and air conditioner seasons. If your energy consumption has remained constant but your monthly bill has increased noticeably, it may be time for a new air conditioner.

Higher energy bills may indicate that your air conditioner is not working correctly or is losing efficiency. Energy bills frequently rise as an air conditioner ages, so the two issues may be connected. Getting a large energy bill once or twice is not cause for concern. However, if your energy bills continue to go up, you may need to start looking for a new air conditioner. It is always best to consult a professional AC installer if you are considering getting an AC installation in Prattville, AL.