You might notice that your electric bills drastically increase over the summer. There’s one source of summer energy use that is fairly easy to pinpoint – your air conditioning. But as the Iowa heat and humidity climb, air conditioning is a must. And that explanation only tells part of the story. There are many factors why summer energy bills spike.
As experts providing Des Moines and surrounding communities with professional HVAC services since 2006, Aspen Aire wants to help you save money this summer. Here are some reasons why your energy bill increases over the summer and ways you can ease the financial pain.
1. AC Usage Increase
As we said above, your AC plays a significant role in driving up your summer energy bills. When Iowa temperatures climb into the 90s or above, your AC system has to run in longer cycles or sometimes nonstop to cool your home. All that work can increase your energy consumption by 36%! If your system is struggling to keep up, scheduling professional air conditioning services can help identify whether your AC is running efficiently or working harder than it should.
2. Inefficient AC System
Beyond the need to run for longer intervals as outdoor temperatures increase, AC system inefficiency can contribute to higher energy usage. Dirty or clogged filters restrict airflow, making your system work harder to blow cool air. If your system is low on refrigerant, poorly maintained, or not cooling your home evenly, it may be time to schedule air conditioning repair before the issue gets worse. Older AC units, especially systems that are 10–15 years old or more, can also use considerably more energy than newer, more efficient models.
3. Heat Entering Your Home
Regardless of whether your AC system is working at peak performance, it’s often working against a constant influx of heat. That heat can enter your home in many different ways, including:
- Sunlight entering through windows with no shades or blinds
- Air leakage around doors, windows, and ducts
- Poor insulation, especially in your attic
4. Indoor Heat Sources
Outdoor temperatures aren’t the only source of heat that can put stress on your AC. Indoor heat sources can increase the temperature in your home. Appliances like ovens, dryers, and dishwashers generate heat. Leaving electronics and lighting on for extended periods can produce heat over time. Even the number of people in your house can raise the temperature and make your AC work harder.
How To Prevent (or Reduce) Summer Energy Spikes
Now that we’ve discussed some of the reasons why energy bills might spike over the summer, let’s take a look at how to prevent or reduce them and keep you cool.
Be Strategic with Your Thermostat
One great way to reduce AC energy drain is to set your thermostat to different temperatures when you’re at home and when you’re not. While you’re home, set your thermostat to around 77° F and higher when you’re away from home. A programmable or smart thermostat can be set to make those changes automatically, and professional smart thermostat installation can help you get the most out of your system’s energy-saving features.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning their thermostat back 7–10 degrees for 8 hours a day from its normal setting. That makes small thermostat adjustments one of the simplest ways to reduce summer cooling costs without sacrificing comfort.
Pro tip: Even a 1-2° F thermostat increase can cut cooling costs by 5-10%.
Keep Cool Air Inside (and Heat Outside)
Examine exterior doors, windows, and ducts to make sure there are no gaps around them that might let the Iowa heat and humidity inside. Seal any gaps that you find to keep cool air from escaping. Evaluate your attic insulation and add or update if needed. Add coverings to windows if they don’t already have them. Close curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day, especially if they are south or west-facing windows.
Reduce Indoor Heat Sources and Watch Usage Patterns
Large indoor appliances can generate significant heat so it’s important to be strategic about when you use them. Running your dishwasher, washer, and dryer at night when temperatures cool down can reduce the strain on your AC. If you need to use heat-generating appliances, do your best to avoid using several at once. Additionally, updating to LED bulbs will reduce the heat output of your indoor lighting.
Improve AC Efficiency
The biggest issue causing your energy bill to spike over the summer is likely an inefficient or overtaxed AC system. Make sure to set a regular air filter replacement cadence of every 1-3 months. Clean your outdoor AC unit and ensure it has two feet of clear space on all sides. Scheduling a professional AC tune-up can also help improve performance, catch small issues early, and keep your system running efficiently through the hottest months of the year.
Depending on the age and condition of your HVAC system, it may also be worth considering an AC installation or upgrade to a high-efficiency system. Newer cooling systems are designed to use less energy while delivering more consistent comfort, which can make a noticeable difference during Iowa’s hot, humid summers.
Prevent Energy Bill Spikes Before They Happen!
Don’t wait for high energy bills to wreak havoc on your budget. Take a proactive approach and make sure your home is ready for the summer heat. Call Aspen Aire Heating & Cooling today to schedule your spring AC tune-up. We are proud to serve our neighbors in Des Moines and the surrounding Iowa communities.
