In 2024, the average electric bill in the United States for April was $151.75. Hawaii had some of the highest bills, with the average equalling $232.73. On the lower end, you had Utah paying an average of $86.68.
How much a household pays for its electricity depends heavily on factors such as air conditioning usage. In fact, your HVAC system is responsible for a big portion of your home’s energy consumption. If you wonder why your electric bill is high, look no further.
Here are some AC maintenance tips on how to help your system run better.
What Makes Your Electric Bill High?
First of all, homeowners should understand how exactly their HVAC system affects their electric bill.
As everyone knows, their AC runs off of their home’s energy. However, it can consume a lot of that energy if left running all day. That’s why most thermostats allow homeowners to set their temperature so their system will shut off when the home reaches a certain level of coolness.
Despite this, you may have problems with your AC you’re unaware of.
If your AC starts to leak, it means your system may run low on refrigerant. Low refrigerant levels mean your system won’t cool as efficiently as it should. A system that isn’t cooling may run for hours on end without realizing that it’s accomplishing nothing.
On a similar note, leaving your AC turned on and not on auto will result in it running continuously both day and night. On top of that, your unit will develop wear and tear more quickly which can result in equipment failure.
AC Maintenance Tips for Port Saint Lucie HVAC Systems
The best way to improve your home cooling efficiency is by taking care of your HVAC system. Running it all day long is not a good way to keep your home temperature stable. In fact, doing so will only bring up your energy bill and kill your system faster.
Instead, take the time to maintain your system through things filter replacement, cleaning the unit, and adjusting your thermostat.
Filter Replacement
One of the simplest AC maintenance tasks for homeowners is to replace their AC filters every one to three months. The reason you want to do this is because they will eventually get clogged with all kinds of debris including dust and dander.
Once your filters are clogged, your AC system will struggle to pull air through your home. This means your system will have to work longer and harder to accomplish its main goal. It also means that your air may not be as clean as you want it.
Clean the Coils
An area a homeowner may overlook is the AC coils. These coils handle the cooling function, and they won’t work properly if they get dirty.
It’s important to clean these coils at least once a year for peak efficiency. If you’re uncomfortable handling the equipment yourself, your HVAC technician can handle it when they make their routine visit.
Check Ductwork
Ductwork is another famously ignored area of your HVAC system. It’s the part that funnels the cool air into each room. If there’s a problem with airflow or you think there’s an air leak somewhere, it might be caused by your ductwork.
Leaky ducts cause cool air to escape, which means your AC has to work double to compensate. Your ductwork may also collect debris if there’s an issue with your air filters.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
A great way to reduce the electric bill is through the use of a programmable thermostat. These thermostats allow you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day. That way, your AC will adjust itself even when you’re not home for long periods.
For example, you might set the house temperature lower when you sleep but want it higher while you’re at work.
Combine with Ceiling Fans
Your air conditioning unit provides cool air, but that doesn’t mean it always circulates as well as you want it to. In many cases, you’ll need to make use of something like a ceiling fan to help distribute the air throughout each room.
The best part is that fans allow you to keep your room cooler even when the AC turns off.
Clear and Shade Outdoor Unit
The purpose of your outdoor unit is to pump out warm air you don’t want in your house. As such, it needs adequate airflow to function efficiently.
Keep the unit clear of any debris, plants, and other obstructions. It can also help to keep the outdoor unit shaded to improve efficiency.
Scheduled Inspection and Maintenance
At the very least, you’ll want your Port Saint Lucie HVAC technician to make a visit every six months. You should do so during the spring and fall before the hottest and coldest months roll around.
Make sure that they clean your coils, check refrigerant levels, and ensure all the equipment works as it should.
If your system is underperforming or damaged, your technician can always recommend an upgrade.
Alternative Home Cooling Methods
If your HVAC system is working fine but you still have problems cooling your home, there are alternative factors to consider.
The first thing you should do is make sure your windows and doors are all sealed. Check for drafts and seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk.
Plant trees and shrubs around your house for natural shade. Close blinds and curtains during the day to keep out direct sunlight. And make sure that your thermostat is set in a location that best represents the overall temperature of your home.
Reduce Your Electric Bill
There could be a number of reasons why your electric bill is high. It’s possible that your home leaks cool air resulting in your AC having to work harder. Alternatively, your AC unit may be the problem and in need of maintenance.
Kuebler Mechanical is your local HVAC company to call for help in the Port St. Lucie area. Our team provides free estimates, 24/7 emergency service, and flexible scheduling. Reach out today to set up your free quote.
