AC Mistakes That Raise Utility Bills

Countless homeowners and businesses depend on their air conditioners to stay comfortable during the hot summer months. Still, with energy prices as high as they are these days, ways to avoid racking up bills for the comfort of an air-conditioned space are always welcome. According to the Energy Information Administration, air conditioning (and heating) already account for more than half of the energy usage in a typical American home. 

The last thing you want is to make AC mistakes that can raise your property’s energy bills even further. Below, the Barber Heating & Air team looks at some things to avoid if you’d like to decrease your cooling costs in the long run.

Mistake 1: Allowing Installation Errors

Your air conditioner’s installation day is the most important one in its lifespan. Any errors or inaccuracies will lead to a life of efficiency problems for the cooling unit, including choosing an oversized or undersized air conditioner for your space.

An undersized air conditioner will run longer cycles to keep up with your cooling needs, while an oversized unit will run multiple shorter cycles without really cooling your home. Either way, the unit will end up using more energy than it should.

Other air conditioning installation mistakes like poor ductwork design or vent and register installation can lead to airflow problems, which makes your air conditioner work harder. You can avoid all of these mistakes by only working with a licensed, certified HVAC contractor.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Maintenance

Do you go from summer to summer without maintaining your air conditioning unit? Doing so is one of the most common AC mistakes that can increase your utility bills over time. 

Ignoring maintenance means a failure to address maintenance issues. Think how clogged air filters, dirty coils, and refrigerant leaks can lead to your air conditioning unit struggling to keep your home cool. The more your unit struggles to work, the higher your utility bills will be.

Another potentially expensive problem that comes from ignoring air conditioning maintenance is a complete system failure. Scheduling regular maintenance is the best way to catch potential issues early and help your air conditioner operate efficiently every year.

Mistake 3: Using the Wrong Thermostat Settings

You may feel it’s a good idea to set your thermostat as low as possible in the summer. Unfortunately, that’s one of the common AC mistakes to avoid if you want to keep your utility bills low.

Most people will be comfortable with their thermostat set to the high 70s, so consider setting your thermostat around that range when you’re home. If you tend to forget, use a programmable thermostat.

What is the impact of the wrong thermostat settings on your utility bills? Consider this fact: raising your thermostat by a degree can knock up to 3% off your cooling costs!

Get More Guidance From Your Local Cooling Experts

Are you making any of the above AC mistakes?

Find out how to beat the heat without paying through the nose – call Barber Heating & Air at (336) 226-6959 to schedule a consultation.