The URECC Member Services representatives often get calls from members after periods of hotter weather asking, “Why has my bill gone up? I haven’t changed my thermostat. It’s set to the same temperature as last month, but my bill still went up!”
The answer is: “The usage of power went up, so therefore, your bill probably did, too!”
Weather—especially outdoor temperature—has a major impact on your power usage. Your AC unit has one primary job: to take air from outside your home, cool it, and push it inside until the desired temperature is reached. It doesn’t blow “colder” when you set the thermostat lower—it just keeps running until the target temperature is achieved.
For example, if the room temperature is 78°F and your thermostat is set to 76°F, the AC will only need to run briefly. But if you set the thermostat to 80°F before leaving, then lower it to 74°F at 5 PM to cool things down quickly, the AC will run non-stop for a longer time—right during peak hours, when electricity is more expensive. Any energy you saved earlier in the day likely gets canceled out.
Sources at energy.gov recommend adjusting the temperature only a few degrees while away from home to avoid long recovery times and unnecessary power use.
In an East Texas summer, your AC may run longer for several reasons—higher outdoor temperatures, air leaks letting in heat, or direct sunlight on the outdoor unit. On a typical afternoon, the air around that unit can exceed 100°F, making the system work harder to cool incoming air.
That’s why it’s important to confirm two things: that the refrigerant level is correct and that the compressor is working properly. If either is off, the unit may run for hours longer than necessary—and still struggle to cool your home.
Bonus tip: Schedule a routine AC tune-up before summer kicks in. Ensuring proper refrigerant and compressor function can save both money and comfort.
Looking for more ways to lower your energy costs? Explore how ENERGY STAR® appliances can help reduce your utility bills and improve efficiency year-round.
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