Is Your AC Working Efficiently? Tips for Lowering Energy Bills This Summer
If your energy bills are higher than normal this summer, your air conditioning system could be to blame. Understanding how your AC affects your energy consumption—and what to do about it—can help you save hundreds over time.
Here’s what every homeowner should know about AC efficiency, energy consumption, and smart ways to lower energy costs.
What’s the Relationship Between AC Efficiency and Energy Consumption?
Think of AC efficiency as how well your unit does its job without wasting energy. If your AC isn’t working efficiently—say, due to a refrigerant leak, clogged coils, or worn-out components—it has to work harder to keep your home cool. That means more energy consumption and a higher utility bill.
In simple terms: less efficiency = more energy = higher bills.
What Is a SEER Rating, and Why Should You Care?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures how efficiently an AC unit converts electricity into cooling over a typical season. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit.
A new unit might start with a SEER rating of 14 or higher.
Over time, that rating can drop due to wear and tear—sometimes losing 1 SEER point per year.
A 10-year-old unit could be operating at nearly half its original efficiency.
Upgrading to a unit with a high SEER rating (16–20+) can dramatically cut your monthly energy costs.
Don’t Forget the Filter: A Small Detail with Big Impact
Air filters should be checked every 30 to 45 days. If they’re dirty, replace them. Pets or heavy household traffic? You’ll likely need to change filters more often.
A dirty air filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder and use more electricity. Common signs your filter needs changing:
A noisier-than-usual AC
Uneven cooling or hot spots
A sudden spike in your energy bill
Insulation: Your First Defense Against High Cooling Costs
Your attic and wall insulation plays a huge role in how efficiently your AC can do its job. Without proper insulation:
Your home heats up faster
Your AC works harder and runs longer
Your energy bills rise significantly
High-performance insulation with a strong R-value (a measure of insulation effectiveness) helps maintain indoor temperature and reduces the load on your HVAC system.
How Often Should You Schedule AC Maintenance?
Minimum recommendation: once a year
If you live near the coast or in a high-use area: two to three times a year
Regular maintenance includes:
Checking for wear and tear
Testing efficiency (like your SEER performance)
Making sure filters, coils, and other parts are clean and functioning
Staying proactive helps prevent costly repairs and keeps your unit operating at peak performance.
Is It Worth Upgrading to a High-Efficiency AC Unit?
Absolutely. While a basic unit might cost $5,000, a higher SEER-rated system may run $7,000—but the long-term savings are real.
Example:
Upgraded unit saves ~$50/month on energy
That’s $600/year or $6,000 over 10 years
The system can pay for itself in 5 years
Think of it like this: would you rather drive a basic car or one with more comfort, control, and better fuel economy?
Building or Replacing a System? What to Look For:
When choosing a new system, don’t just look at cost. Ask yourself:
What do I want to improve—comfort, humidity, or lower bills?
What’s my budget?
Do I understand the SEER options and energy impact?
Higher-end AC units offer more precise climate control and better humidity management, making your home more comfortable year-round.
3 Takeaways Every Homeowner Should Remember:
Know what you want from your AC—comfort, humidity control, or lower bills?
Be clear about your budget—but understand the long-term savings potential of better systems.
Educate yourself on SEER ratings and how they translate into real energy savings.
If you're unsure how your current system is performing—or whether it’s time to upgrade—schedule a professional consultation. A trained tech can evaluate your unit’s SEER performance, spot inefficiencies, and help you decide the best next step.