Earlier this summer, the U.S. Energy Information Administration projected electric bills will be higher this summer than they were in 2024 — which was the hottest summer on record to date. The average monthly electric bill is projected to be $178. New Englanders could even see bills averaging $193.
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Any increase will likely be due to an increase in electricity rates rather than the average temperatures, which are expected to be equally hot this year. Adjusted for inflation, homeowners will pay roughly 4.3% more for electricity this summer, UtilityDive.com reported.
Fortunately, HVAC experts say a few simple steps can help you control costs without melting in the heat. Don’t make these mistakes when it comes to cooling your home this summer.
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Mistake No. 1: Not Replacing Air Conditioner Filters
Conventional wisdom says to replace basic 1-inch air conditioner filters every two to three months, and yearly for thicker filters. “This timeline gets shortened significantly [in homes with] pets, smoking [and] poor outdoor air quality from pollution or wildfire smoke,” said Shu Saito, founder and CEO at All Filters LLC. Peak HVAC usage during extreme weather can also affect filter operation, according to Saito.
A dirty or discolored filter is one sign it needs replacement or cleaning, which is why it’s important to inspect your AC frequently.
“Longer run times for your system to reach the desired temperature, noticeably decreased airflow from vents, unusual sounds from the HVAC system and increased dust on furniture” are also signs your filter needs replacement, Saito said.
Pro Tip: Save more money by purchasing your air conditioner filters in bulk. “Homeowners who invest in filters one at a time at retail prices can spend up to 40% more,” Saito said.
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Mistake No. 2: Buying the Wrong Filters
Before you stock up on filters, make sure you’re purchasing the right ones for your AC unit, Saito warned. To find the best filter, consider the “MERV” rating. “MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values,” Saito said, explaining that it’s the “only nationally regulated system for testing air filter efficiency.
Some companies like 3M and Home Depot use their own rating system. “These are essentially marketing variations of the same concept,” he said.
He explained that newer units can often accommodate filters with MERV ratings of 11 to 13 or higher, while older systems may function best with filters with a 6 to 8 rating. “When in doubt, start no higher than a MERV 8 filter and monitor your system’s performance,” Saito said. “If you notice decreased airflow or longer run times, step down to a lower MERV rating. For definitive guidance, consult with an HVAC professional who can assess your specific system’s capabilities.”
Mistake No. 3: Blocking Your AC Vents
It seems like common sense, but make sure you don’t have any furniture, carpeting or clutter blocking your AC vents. If you have wall units, make sure curtains and blinds are open to maximize air flow. Keep windows and doors closed to keep the cool air inside your home and the warm air out.
Mistake No. 4: Skipping Seasonal Maintenance
Well-maintained ACs are effective ACs, cooling your home faster for less money. Regular maintenance can also help prevent peak-season breakdowns. Often, homeowners wait until the last minute for emergency repairs on their central AC — and that’s when repair technicians are busiest, so prices for service calls can go up.
“A once-annual ‘spring cleaning’ is a useful benchmark, but some professionals we work with strongly believe the gold standard should be twice-yearly maintenance to cover cooling systems and heating systems ahead of their peak use,” Saito advised.
Mistake No. 5: Not Knowing Peak Usage Times
For homeowners who have a “time-of-use” (TOU) electric plan, it’s important to know the peak hours for electricity use. On a TOU plan, you pay more for electricity at certain times of day, and less at other times, typically at night, according to EnergySage.com.
If you have a TOU billing model, turn the thermostat on your AC up to 78 during peak hours so it isn’t working as hard. Don’t turn it off completely, though; that makes the unit work harder to cool your home when you turn it back on, according to Tetra.com, a New York-based home services website.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: These 5 Mistakes Could Increase Your Electric Bills This Summer
