• July, 01 2024

Gulp, your AC bill is how much?

Electric costs will average $719 for this summer –June through September – according to a recent study,cited by the Wall Street Journal.

For most of us, that’s a lot of money, especially since the same four months in 2014 cost a much less painful $476.

Because much of your summertime electricity goes to the air-conditioning system, it’s smart to review how to keep the AC affordable and effective.

Only turn it off

Turn off the AC only if you’re going to be away for several days.

Do not turn it off if you will be home later in the day or the next day. It’s far better to crank up the thermostat 2-to-6 notches while you’re away. If you turn it totally off, the heat will rise so high that it will take the AC a huge, expensive burst of power to get the temperature back to where you want it. That extra power will tax the system, possibly shortening its life.

On the other hand, moving it up just a few degrees will allow it to more efficiently and quickly generate the cool air you want. 

Time is money

Utilities raise rates when usage is higher and drop rates when business lessens. Maybe you can adjust your activities to focus more on times when the bill will be lower.

In New York City, for example, Con Edison’s “summer super-peak pricing is in effect from June through September on weekdays between 2 and 6 p.m.” the utility said.
“Super-peak charges are significantly higher than supply charges during the rest of the day.

You can save money if you reduce your electricity consumption during those hours.

Smart thermostat

A smart thermostat can help you cut electricity charges. It will measure usage and handle the temperature very effectively. 

You also can operate it remotely, deciding for instance to adjust the temperature now because you are returning home sooner than scheduled.

Elite HVAC, a locally owned business, serves Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Long Island.