Hiking, biking, camping and hot days by the lake are just a few of the summer activities that most Coloradans look forward to after a long cold winter. The feeling of walking into a cool house after a hot day can be just as refreshing as the outdoor activities themselves. Until you see your energy bill.
You shouldn’t have to worry about your pocketbook during long, fun-filled summer days. Save time and money in the long run by knowing the costs of cooling your home ahead of time. Regular AC maintenance and new technology can also ease the burden of increasing energy costs. We’ll tell you how.
How Much Does Air Conditioning Cost Per Month?
Energy costs have more than doubled compared to the same time last year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Now more than ever it is important to know where small changes can make a big difference to your bank account. Most notably with your air conditioner, one of the largest energy consumers in the home.
Energy costs can average just over .11 per kHw hour in the summer, according to Xcel Energy’s current rate chart. Here are some cost differences to compare on a 3500-Watt A/C unit:
Air Conditioning Cost Calculator
| Daily Use | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
| 24 hours | $288.75 | $3,465 |
| 16 hours | $192.50 | $2,310 |
| 12 hours | $144.37 | $1,732.44 |
| 8 hours | $96.25 | $1,150 |
*Important to note: this is just the average cost of the energy used by the A/C and does not include any fees or other home energy usage.
How To Reduce The Cost of Cooling Your Home
“Most of our customers are shocked when the costs are broken down like this by one of our technicians. Customers are amazed at how much they could save simply by turning their A/C off for a portion of the day – such as when they are not home or leaving for the day,” said Josh Ward owner of Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric.
“Another tip, while it may be cliché, is to turn the A/C down by one or two degrees. That will limit how much the A/C must work and in turn, will require less energy. It will also reduce wear and leave your AC less prone to maintenance needs.”
Monitor your AC use and tweak it to see significant savings on your energy bill.
Keep Up With Annual Air Conditioner Maintenance
Another factor to consider is the age and last maintenance of your air conditioner. Enduring hot days while waiting for an A/C repair can put a damper on summer fun. To avoid this, Applewood recommends an annual inspection in spring to identify any maintenance needs.
“Annual inspection for a big-ticket item like the A/C unit in your home is similar to a tune up for your car,” Ward says. “While it can still drive down the road, there may be issues lurking under the hood. Our technicians can spot a problem before it turns into an expensive repair.”
Schedule your seasonal maintenance check to make sure your air conditioner is working properly and as efficiently as possible. This will save you money and headache in the long run.
Update Your Air Conditioning Thermostat
Finally, consider a new thermostat. Installing a smart thermostat can save up to $100 per year, according to Energy Star. In addition, some smart thermostats can run diagnostics on your HVAC unit and can give updates and reminders for filter changes and regular maintenance appointments. Wi-Fi enabled systems can maintain a temperature more efficiently than older analog thermostats.
AC Experts in Denver, Boulder and Longmont
To get ready for an efficient, cool summer Applewood recommends scheduling an inspection with a trained technician. Schedule your appointment today.
For more information about A/C maintenance and smart thermostats. Visit www.applewoodfixit.com/.
