Failing Parts. Your AC system uses more electricity if some parts, like the capacitors, motor and condenser, fail. Further, your air conditioner will be less efficient due to too much strain on the functioning parts. If you don't address the issue, your system might experience a total breakdown.
Your AC is a complex machine with dozens of parts. When any one of those parts starts to wear out, it puts pressure on the rest of the system. Because it has to work harder to cool your air and function correctly, more energy is consumed, which pumps up your electricity bill.
One way is to set the temperature on the thermostat a few degrees higher than you would normally have it. This will help reduce the amount of time that the air conditioner is running, and therefore use less power. Another way to reduce power consumption is to make sure that the air conditioner's filters are clean.
If your AC is drawing too many amps with the proper voltage and proper gauge cord attached, then it was overcharged at the factory, dirty condenser, faulty condenser fan motor or a tight compressor. It's also possible to have a weak run Capacitor.
The average cost per kWh in the US is currently $0.11, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). This means an AC unit could cost you from $5.17 to $5.94 per day to run. Or about $155-$178 per month you're running it.
Since air conditioners use more energy when they cycle all day, it is cheaper to let your system operate at full capacity when you're home instead of running it at a lower capacity all day. The more energy you use, the more money you'll pay in monthly utility bills.
On average, an air conditioner costs between $0.06 and $0.88 per hour to use. Let's see how much air-conditioning costs every month (assuming it runs for 8 hours per day). The cheapest option is $14.40 per month and $211.20 per month on the high end.
Cover Your Windows
Covering windows that receive direct sunlight with shutters, curtains, or blinds keeps the indoor temperature lower, reducing the load on your air conditioner. Options such as outdoor awnings and solar shades can also reduce direct sunlight without sacrificing the view.
An HVAC system that is blowing too much air through the vents inside the home is an HVAC unit in distress. There is an issue somewhere within the HVAC system that is causing it to work too hard which stresses the system, makes a house uncomfortable, and will probably lead to eventual damage to the system.
One simple way to decrease energy costs is having a higher temperature setting on the thermostat when nobody is home. While you might be tempted to simply turn the AC off, it's actually better to adjust the temperature several degrees higher, by about 7-10 degrees.
AC definitely consumes more power than a Fan or a cooler, and how many hours will run AC depends on that your electricity bill will shoot up.
Although many people believe that it is more costly to turn your AC on and off vs. leaving it on, this is entirely false. People often base this belief on the idea that powering on your system requires a burst of energy, so leaving it running would minimize energy usage by reducing these bursts.
The Compressor
If you have a failing compressor, it can start using a lot more energy because it may need to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Also, a compressor that is too small for the system it serves might run continuously to keep up, which will result in higher energy bills.
There are several important components that make up your AC unit, and any of them can fail over time. These include the compressor, evaporator coils, condenser coils and more. When any of these components fail, it can cause your AC unit to work harder than necessary, leading to a higher energy bill.
Eco or energy-saving mode
This is the ideal mode for users looking to save up on energy bills by toning down the performance of the AC and its compressor. Eco-mode uses less electricity by automatically adjusting the fan speed and temperature, while still maintaining a comfortable level of cooling.
If a home's air flow is compromised, it may make the air conditioner run constantly. Troubleshoot AC air flow problems by checking for: Closed/blocked vents. Leaky air ducts and other ductwork problems.
The coils might be clogged or the air conditioner filter may need to be cleaned. Dirty coils and dirty filters make the air conditioner work harder and consume more energy and can cause your energy bills to skyrocket as a result.
Dirty Air Filter Affects My Electric Bill
When the filter is not replaced, dust, bacteria and other particulates build up and air flow becomes restricted. This causes your unit to work harder and longer to cool your home, which in turn, results in an increase in your energy bill.
With an average cost of $0.175 per kilowatt-hour of electricity in May 2024, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, running the air conditioner adds an average of $437.50 to Americans' utility bills each year.
What costs the most on your electric bill? Heating and cooling are by far the greatest energy users in the home, making up around 40% of your electric bill. Other big users are washers, dryers, ovens, and stoves. Electronic devices like laptops and TVs are usually pretty cheap to run, but of course, it can all add up.