We live in a time of rising prices (unfortunately) — gas, living, and utility bills are running up higher and higher. Even your AC bill can’t escape an increase.

In recent years, the average residential bill in the U.S per residential customer has been around 1,345 U.S dollars. The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects this bill to rise in 2022.

Every penny counts, and we’re here to help you save on your AC unit when possible. Study the tips below to see how you can decrease your bill and increase your comfort this summer.

Set your thermostat appropriately.

What do we mean by appropriate? We suggest that you don’t set your temperature to its lowest setting when the outside temperature is climbing.

Most AC systems are designed to keep your home around 75 degrees. You can set your thermostat lower than this, but it will strain your unit—especially if the temperature outside is high.

Here’s an example of this principle in action: If you like to keep your home around 68 degrees and it begins to heat up because it’s 90 degrees outside, your AC will run longer to close the gap. This can get expensive and shorten the lifespan of your system.

Use a setback.

In the HVAC world, a setback is programming your thermostat to a higher temperature at certain times of the day. The idea here is to schedule your AC unit to run at a higher temperature when you’re not home. It’s a great way to make your system more efficient and to lower your bill.

Most thermostats allow you to set up schedules, and we recommend you don’t set it back less than five degrees or more than eight degrees. Less than five is not enough of a setback to make a difference, and more than eight will strain your system as it tries to cool down your home.

Have more questions? Check out our guide to thermostats here!

Use a clean air filter.

We’re beating a dead horse here, but we’ve seen a few bogus tips on air filters floating around on the internet.

Avoid this “tip” if it is all possible: hold off on replacing your air filter till it’s very dirty.

This does not save you money in the long run. You might spend less on new filters, but a dirty filter will only tax your AC unit and run up your HVAC bill.

Check your air filter every 30 days and look to replace it every 60 to 90 days. This practice is especially important for any homeowner with a larger family or pets as they will quickly clog up your filter.

For more information on air filters, check out this article here or get in touch with our experts.

Check your outdoor coil for obstructions.

Another cost-saving tip is to keep obstructions away from your unit’s coils. This will improve the efficiency of your AC system and lower costs.

The condenser coils are incredibly important to your cooling success. They condense your system’s refrigerant and essentially remove heat from the air.

These coils can become dirty or even blocked, especially if they’re in environments where there’s a lot of dirt or dust nearby. When the coils become dirty, your unit will have to work much harder to provide the same amount of cooling.

Maintaining a clean environment around your unit can help to combat the buildup of dirt on your coils.

If you do notice dirt, it’s also possible to clean the outside of your coils yourself, but you’ll likely want to request service from an HVAC technician to ensure that the inside of the condenser coil is fully clean.

Run a fan.

This tip might seem basic, but it can help you cut down on costs on your AC bill in several ways.

Running a fan will help your unit batter certain “heat spots” in your home, like the kitchen or a sunroom. Your AC will not have to work as hard to cool these areas, thus a lower bill.

Fans can also cut down on the humidity in your home by evaporating the moisture. This will add to your comfort and your system’s efficiency.

Make sure your windows are sealed tight.

We realize window maintenance is not technically in the HVAC realm, but it will definitely help you get the most out of your AC system for the least cost.

Check your windows as the summer heat sets in! Windows and warmer weather don’t mix well. In fact, 25%–30% heat gain in your home comes through windows.

Look for signs of air leaks or cracks. Covering this damage and weatherstripping your home’s windows will go a long way in helping to keep the cool air in and the hot air out. Your AC unit (and wallet) will thank you.

Also, consider putting a shade over your windows to limit direct sunlight from heating up your home. It’s a little practice that can help you save big.

Looking for more AC Help? Reach out to us.

These cost-saving practices can get you on track to more efficient AC and lower electric bills. But if you’re still having issues, it may be best to have your HVAC systems professionally reviewed.

The reality is that any complex machine system needs regular maintenance and upkeep to keep performing efficiently.

To get the best value, choose a service agreement from Rod Miller. We’ll inspect your unit twice per year to ensure that it’s working the way you need it to.

Don’t leave your comfort to chance as the weather heats up. Get in touch with us today to learn about our cost-saving service agreements or to request assistance with AC issues.