Has your utility bill gone up over the last few months? If so, you may want to consider a few AC mistakes many homeowners make that can cause higher electricity bills. Living in South Florida has a lot of benefits and one of them is that even during the winter months the temperature can reach 70 degrees or higher, which means most of us use our air conditioners all year long.

When you use your AC this often it’s important to make sure it’s working efficiently. It’s also important to keep up with the maintenance of your AC unit. If your utility bill has been higher than normal and you’re due for an AC tune-up contact East Coast Mechanical (ECM) in Boynton Beach today to schedule an appointment with one of our certified AC technicians at 561-585-9850.

3 Common AC Mistakes to Avoid

Older Thermostat– what type of thermostat do you have? Some people have older thermostats that you have to program as the temperature in your home changes. Modern thermostats are programmable, which allows you to change the temperature when you’re away from your home or set it to change based on the time of day. They are so convenient you can even use your smartphone to adjust the temperature. A programmable thermostat not only makes your life easier but it can also save you money on your utility bill. Another thing to consider is the location of your thermostat. You don’t want your thermostat to be in direct sunlight, above air vents or near a kitchen.
Not Cleaning Air Filters-it’s important to clean your AC filter on a regular basis. ECM AC technicians recommend cleaning or changing your air filter at least once a month. If your AC filter gets dirty the air quality in your home will go down and you will end up with poor air flow. A dirty air filter can add as much as 5 to 15 percent to your AC bill. It could also shorten the lifespan of your entire unit.
Missing Regular Maintenance-it’s critical to have your AC maintained regularly. You should get an AC tune-up at least once a year. During an annual AC tune-up your AC technician will be able to fix minor issues that can be repaired quickly and usually inexpensively. If you don’t have your AC maintained on a regular basis your air conditioner ‘s machinery will begin to break down, which can increase your monthly AC bill as well as increase the cost of repairs.

Knowing When It’s Time for a New AC

If you’re doing everything right and you’re still paying high utility bills it may be time to consider getting a new AC unit. Older air conditioners are less energy efficient and can cost more money monthly. Most of the new AC units have a higher SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating, which makes the AC more efficient and use less power. Many older AC units have a SEER rating of 10 or lower, while the new, modern air conditioners have a SEER rating as high as 23.

If your AC bills are high and you think it ‘s time to purchase a new air conditioner for your home contact ECM today to find out about our energy efficient AC units.

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