The standard air conditioner costs around $0.47 per hour to use. If an average American household uses their air conditioner 8 hours per
day, the average cost of an air conditioner to your electric bill is approximately $117 per month.
While this is the average computation, it can further be changed depending on your unit’s specifications, the environment, and even your use. Fortunately, there are many ways to use your air conditioner efficiently, so it doesn’t contribute much to your electric bill.
1. Hands off the thermostat (as much as possible)
Playing around with your thermostat, regardless if you’re increasing or decreasing the temperature, can increase its power use.
According to the Department of Energy, the sweet spot for air conditioners to balance energy savings and comfort is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. You can, of course, adjust it based on your environment and your liking, but make sure that you maintain one temperature throughout your use to avoid increased power consumption.
2. Place an awning on your air conditioner
Regardless if you’re using a smart air conditioner, it still can’t fully understand its environment. When it senses heat, it automatically uses more power to reach its ideal temperature. Not only would it cause your electric bill to spike, but it can also significantly reduce the lifespan of your air conditioning unit.
Avoid placing any part of your AC to direct sunlight. Ensure it has an awning or it’s placed in a shaded area.
3. Replace your filter every 3 months 
Like other household items, cleaning your air conditioning unit regularly and properly ensures optimal functionality without straining its motor.
The standard lifespan of an air conditioner filter is 60-90 days. So, it’s best to replace it every 3 months. While it may initially sound expensive, know that an improperly maintained air conditioner can increase your electric bill by up to $32 monthly.
4. Refrain from doing heat-related activities
Heat-related appliances such as your electric stove, flat iron, and dishwasher significantly contribute to your electric bills. However, not everyone knows that aside from their individual power use, they can further increase your bill by forcing your air conditioner to use more energy.
Any heat-related activities, even lighting candles and incense in a small air-conditioned room, can force your air conditioner to strain its motor. To prevent this from happening, it’s best to do heat-related activities at nighttime when the outside climate can help cool off your air conditioner.
5. Remove humidity
Humidity is the presence of water vapor in the air, and humid air holds heat better than dry air. Because of this, you shouldn’t just check your air conditioner’s thermostat but also the humidity level in your home.
Fortunately, many hygrometers are available online to help you monitor your home’s humidity efficiently. While every home is different, the ideal humidity for a standard home is 30-50%. It’s best to use a dehumidifier to dry the air. This way, the cool air from your air conditioner can stay longer in the environment.
6. Utilize your vents properly
Completely closing your vents to trap the cool air in your room is perhaps the biggest myth when it comes to using air conditioners. Instead of helping your unit produce less cool air, confined spaces build pressure in your HVAC system, forcing it to work harder to distribute air around the room. 
To avoid this, don’t close off your rooms completely. It’s best to leave one air vent 25% open to balance the airflow throughout your home. Aside from this, make sure to close the blinds of windows that face directly to sunlight and ensure that no furniture is blocking your vents to maintain optimal airflow.
7. Make sure your air conditioning unit is installed properly
Last but not least, make sure your air conditioning unit is installed properly. Regardless of how careful you are in using your air conditioner, if it isn’t properly installed, then it will cause your electric bill to go up.
While installing your air conditioning unit by yourself is easy, a professional air conditioner installation and service provider can help you reduce your power use. Their services don’t just include placing your air unit in your room but also finding the optimal location for your unit, building its awning if needed, ensuring that your air conditioner comes with a compatible circuit breaker, and even suggesting ways on how you can properly utilize your air vents.
We understand that getting professional services may sound expensive compared to DIY, but it’s definitely an excellent investment if you save hundreds of dollars on your monthly electric bill.
Experience reduced monthly electric bills by using your air conditioner efficiently.
Monthly electric bills can really be terrifying, especially if your family is used to using an air conditioner. But now that you know how to use your air conditioner efficiently, you don’t have to worry that much. Experience comfort in your own home without breaking the bank!
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