We all love air conditioners because they keep us cool in hot weather, but most are afraid to turn them on. The cool air that relieves us also creates anxiety about rising energy bills. Keeping the home cool in the dead summer weather required more electricity than anything else that uses electricity.

However, the comfort of air conditioning is definitely worth the price in hot weather. However, since they have become more expensive, it’s a good idea for everyday users to be aware of how much it costs to operate an air conditioner.

In general, when an air conditioner is in its running state, it uses 3000 to 5000 watts. Here in Dubai, residential electricity costs, on average, 0.081 U.S. dollars per kWh. A running air conditioner costs between $0.06 and $0.88 per hour. So, think about how much it costs per month. If we think about the low end of the air conditioner bill, it will cost you $14.40 per month, and at the high end, it costs $211.20 per month. If you want to calculate the cost on your own, use the air conditioner calculator, which can easily calculate the estimated electricity bill. According to these figures, roughly half of the costs go into heating and cooling.

Is it cheaper to leave the AC unit on the whole day? 

Most people thought leaving the air conditioner running all day and night saved energy. But according to HVAC experts, turning the AC system on and off all day is a total waste of time and energy. This will cost you more in the long run. To make good use of it, turn off the air conditioner when you’re away or have no need to use it; in this way, you will save far more energy than maintaining a steady temperature and save money.

However, the amount of energy usage also depends on the following:

1. The type of AC you use
2.  The power rating of the AC system
3. The specific area of the home.

To further clarify your confusion, it’s better to consult an HVAC specialist to find all the pertinent information.

How to Reduce the Cost of Air Conditioning: 

As previously stated, running the air conditioner all day is not cheaper, but there are numerous ways to save money on air conditioners.

Improved AC Installation:

Aging AC models cost you more compared to the new ones. So switching from the aging models to the newer units that are also energy efficient is the most efficient way to reduce the monthly electricity bills. Most importantly, pay particular attention to the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio when looking for a new appliance (SEER). Higher SEER-rated units use less energy to maintain the desired temperature.

Consider some other types of AC systems. Ductless mini-split AC systems are efficient at independently cooling different areas of your home. As a result, there’s no waste of energy to cool those areas you don’t use. Furthermore, compared to traditional central cooling systems, the ductless design can save you up to 30% on electricity.

Use programmable thermostats:

At this stage, you’re clear that running the AC all day is not the best idea, and it costs you a lot. But due to busy schedules and other messy things, it’s easy to forget to turn off the AC unit when you leave home. But there’s also a solution for it. Installing a programmable thermostat system allows you to create a schedule for your unit. You won’t have to remember to turn the AC system on and off during the day as a result.

Moreover, if the weather is extremely hot and you plan to cool your home the whole day, you can save a little money by turning the thermostat to a higher temperature. Thermostats should always be set to allow temperatures to climb when occupants are gone from the house or asleep.

Air Conditioner Maintenance:

Another way to save money on air conditioners and run them efficiently and smoothly is through regular AC system maintenance. We discussed How Frequently You Should Service Your Air Conditioner at length. Regular maintenance reduces your unit’s energy consumption and helps prolong its overall life.

Use Fan:

If the house is in a large area and the cooling doesn’t approach every corner, then there’s nothing better than using a ceiling fan to circulate the air properly around the area. You can also use stand fans to target a specific area that isn’t getting cold enough.

Last Thoughts:

In this era, air conditioning is an essential appliance in your home. It keeps our homes cool so that we can survive the hot summer months. Since, with time, the summers are getting more severe and hotter, the dependence on AC systems is also rising. So, in the end, if you’ve noticed that your energy bills are climbing and rising, this might indicate an issue with your air conditioning system. We specialize in air conditioning repair and the surrounding areas in Dubai.

If your utility bills are greater than usual for this time of year, call us right away. We’ll take care of the issue for you quickly so you can stop wasting money on ineffective air conditioners.