Why Is My Electricity Bill So High After Installing an AC?

 

Why Is My Electricity Bill So High After Installing an AC?

Setting up an air conditioner provides much-needed relief in hot weather, but for many homeowners, it often leads to an unpleasant surprise: a big increase in the electricity bill. While air conditioners do use a good amount of energy, an unusually high bill may mean something is wrong. Many people find themselves looking for an air conditioner repair service near me to diagnose and fix the issue. But what really causes this rise in energy use?

Here’s a summary of the most common reasons your electricity bill could have risen after getting an AC—and what you can do to handle it.

1. AC Size and Type May Not Fit Your Room

One of the main reasons for higher electricity bills is using an AC unit that’s not the right size. If the AC is too small, it will run all the time to cool the room, using more energy. If it’s too big, it may turn on and off too often, also wasting energy.

What to Do:

• Make sure your AC unit is the right size for the square footage of your room.
• Talk to an HVAC expert to find out the correct tonnage for your needs.

2. Poor Installation and Air Leakage

Even if your AC is the right size, bad installation can make it less efficient. Poor sealing, leaking ducts, or gaps around windows and doors let cool air escape and hot air in, forcing your AC to work harder.

What to Do:

Check your home for air leaks and seal gaps around windows and doors.

Have a technician inspect ductwork and insulation.

3. Old or Inadequate Electrical Infrastructure

If your home's electrical system is outdated or overloaded, it can cause your AC unit to use more power than it should. Bad wiring can lower efficiency and raise energy use.

What to Do:

Have an electrician examine your home's electrical capacity.

Think about upgrading your wiring if needed to support high-load appliances like air conditioners.

4. Dirty Filters or Coils

Blocked air filters and dirty condenser coils reduce airflow and cooling efficiency. When your AC has to push air through clogged filters, it uses more electricity to provide the same cooling effect.

What to Do:

Clean or replace air filters every 1-2 months.

Schedule regular maintenance to clean coils and check system performance.

5. Thermostat Settings and Usage Habits

Keeping your thermostat set to very low temperatures or forgetting to turn off the AC when it’s not needed can lead to extra energy use.

What to Do:

Set your thermostat to an energy-saving temperature (around 24–26°C).

Use a programmable or smart thermostat to manage usage.

Turn off the unit when the room is empty.

6. Using Old or Inefficient AC Models

Older air conditioner models do not save energy as well as newer inverter-based systems. If you’re using a non-inverter or low-star-rated unit, your electricity bills will naturally be higher.

What to Do:

Upgrade to an energy-efficient model with at least a 4-star BEE rating.

Inverter ACs change their speed depending on how much cooling is needed, helping to save more energy over time.

Conclusion

If you’ve been curious about why your electricity bills have increased a lot after getting your AC, it might be time for a professional check-up. Whether the issue is due to damaged parts, poor installation, or not using it efficiently, Fixail is ready to assist.

Our skilled technicians offer thorough checks, maintenance, and repairs to make sure your air conditioner works well. With Fixail, you not only receive excellent service but also helpful tips on lowering energy use without losing comfort.

Don’t let high energy bills empty your wallet—count on Fixail to help your AC and budget get back on track.