May 13, 2020

Heating and cooling your home is the largest part of your energy bills. If your home operates on electricity, you likely wonder how much electricity your air conditioner is using. There are multiple factors at play, but this should give you a good idea of how much electricity your AC unit is consuming.

Thermostat Settings

The temperature at which you set your thermostat is a large factor in how much electricity your air conditioner consumes. You should try to set it as high as is comfortable for this reason. For every degree you set your air conditioner higher, you can save 1% on your electricity usage. Turning up your air conditioner to 75 instead of setting it at 68 can save you 7% or more on your electricity bills.

SEER Rating

Air conditioners are rated according to SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. Modern air conditioners have a SEER rating of at least 14. SEER ratings max out at 25. The higher the SEER, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner is and the less electricity it consumes. Keep in mind, though, the SEER rating is the maximum rating. In practice, it’s not a constant value. If you’re always changing the temperature in your home, for example, your AC unit will be operating at a lower SEER rating than it otherwise could.

Outdoor Conditions

The hotter it is outside, the more electricity your air conditioner will need to consume to meet your desired indoor temperature. When temperatures are very hot, you will likely notice your electricity bill is higher than normal as the AC needs to run longer to cool your home.

Jesse Heating & Air Conditioning of Decatur, IL, can help you save money on your electricity bills by tuning-up your AC system annually. Our other services include replacing and repairing air conditioners and furnaces. We also offer insulation installation, home weatherization, and home performance services. Call today to schedule a visit.

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