If you’ve noticed that your energy bill tends to fluctuate quite a bit from quarter to quarter, you’re not alone.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), about 16 percent of a homeowner’s energy bill is generated by cooling costs—and when you consider that not all homes need to be cooled year-round (and some never need to be cooled), this 16 percent can often rise to 50 percent or more in the summer. Learn more about the impact your a/c and other large appliances have on your energy bill, as well as how improving efficiency can lower these costs.
What Appliances Use the Most Energy?
A significant percentage of your overall energy use can be attributed to just a few appliances: your heater and air conditioner, your water heater, your refrigerator and freezer, and your washer and dryer. Because of their outsized impact, reducing the energy consumption of these appliances can go a long way toward decreasing your total energy bill.
- Turning the temperature on your water heater down a few degrees shouldn’t impact the comfort of your baths and showers, but will reduce the amount of energy the water heater consumes.
- Make sure your refrigerator is out of direct sunlight and is located away from heat sources; having your refrigerator right next to your stove can force it to work much harder to keep your food cool.
- Washing clothes in cold water and drying them on medium heat (or even the cool setting) not only reduces energy consumption, but it also extends the life of your clothes.
How Can You Reduce Your A/C’s Impact on Your Energy Bills?
When it comes to reducing your a/c’s energy consumption, there are a few important steps to take.
First, ensure that your a/c is clean and free of debris. Having tall grass or matted leaves around your a/c can block airflow, forcing it to work harder to generate the cooled air that circulates around your home.
Your a/c’s air filter should also be regularly checked and cleaned. This air filter prevents dirt, debris, and other harmful particles from getting into your a/c’s inner components. As this filter becomes clogged with dust and dirt, it reduces the air flowing to your a/c’s condenser unit.
Finally, consider adjusting your thermostat setting. While many homeowners stick with a cool 68 or 72 degrees, Consumer Reports recommends setting your a/c at 78 degrees when you’re home (and 85 when you’re away) to optimize its efficiency.
But if taking these steps just doesn’t seem to be having much of an impact on your energy bill, it may be time to replace your older, inefficient a/c unit with a new energy-efficient one from A/C Designs. Our experienced, courteous technicians can discuss your typical a/c usage and your household’s needs to recommend the perfect a/c for your home. Just fill out the short contact form on our website to get in touch with A/C Designs today.