How Much Electricity Do Air Conditioners Use?

May 14, 2020

People in warm climates see their energy bills spike during the summer as they run their air conditioning systems. Just how much electricity do these systems use? On average, a central AC system will consume between 3000 to 5000 watts of power a day. Here’s how your energy bills are affected.

Your Energy Cost

Most electricity providers charge by kilowatt/hour (kWh). The average kWh cost in the United States is 12 cents. You can find out how much you pay by looking at your most-recent electricity bill.

AC Energy Efficiency

An air conditioning unit’s efficiency is rated by its Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER, the more efficient the AC system is. Newer systems tend to be much more energy efficient than older ones.

Thermostat Setting

A major factor in how much electricity your air conditioner uses is at what temperature you set your thermostat. The lower you set the thermostat, the more expensive it will be to cool your home. Each degree you increase your thermostat setting in the hotter months can save you about 1 percent on your electricity bill.

Ducts and Maintenance

A well-maintained AC system will consume less electricity than a neglected system as it will operate more efficiently. A home with well-sealed ducts will consume less electricity whereas poorly sealed ducts will cause quite a bit of conditioned air to be lost outside your living space. De Soto Electrical Products of De Soto, MO, seals ducts to make sure your AC system is operating as efficiently as possible.

Outdoor Conditions

The hotter it is outside, the harder your air conditioning system has to work to keep your home at your desired temperature. An AC system working against extreme heat is going to consume a lot more energy than during more reasonable outdoor temperatures.

De Soto Electrical Products offers heating and cooling services to people in De Soto, such as installation, repair and tune-ups. We also offer electrical services and indoor air quality systems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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