Do you have any tips for lowering a high electric bill with a constantly running AC unit in an old house lacking insulation?
Asked by Howard Craig 
5 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
I have a feeling my electric bill is going to be pretty steep. The AC is set at 80 degrees and seems to be running constantly. I think my house could use more insulation. Any other suggestions? It’s a furnace unit, by the way.
It really depends. In my area, running the AC for longer cycles is better for dehumidifying.
Remember to keep shades and curtains closed during the day to minimize heat from sunlight. The thicker the curtains, the better.
Also, make sure to have the outdoor unit cleaned and inspected if it hasn’t been done this year. There might be a small leak somewhere causing the refrigerant to escape – what’s the temperature of the air coming out of your vents?
If your AC is running constantly and struggling to cool the house, check the filter. A dirty filter can block airflow and reduce performance.
Just installed a new filter today in the AC. It looks like if the house isn’t insulated well, it can really strain the AC, especially on a hot day like today in San Antonio.
The unit might need more freon. Turn it off and contact an AC company before damaging the compressor
Hey , sorry I can’t. I’ve got my 89-year-old mom with dementia here.
Hey , just a heads up that if your AC burns up, it might end up costing you more in the long run.
Hey Frank, no need to worry. It will notify you when it’s ready to quit if you don’t take care of it soon.
You’re comparing a $400 service to replacing the system for $8k or more.
I’m on the same page as A.J. First things first, get your air conditioner serviced – clean the coil, check the condenser, inspect the pressure, change the filter, make sure the blower motor is working well, and so on. After that’s taken care of, you can tackle things like insulation, doors, and windows.
If your system is working well, there isn’t much you can do on a budget. ood insulation, exterior doors, and efficient windows, like you mentioned. I’m not sure about your house layout, but leave interior doors to bedrooms open.
My unit had too much freon pressure.. In May, my electric bill was at 379.00.
My house isn’t well insulated so we try to keep blinds/curtains closed, and we’ve added blankets/towels/sheets over extra drafty windows.
We make sure to turn off lights.
Unused rooms stay shut off (but we keep the vents open).
I’ve placed fans in each room to help with air circulation.
We also keep the ceiling fans running.
We avoid using the oven/stove/dryer during the day (all that gets done early or late.
Start by cleaning the AC unit to remove any dust buildup that may be blocking airflow. Then, turn on the AC and check if cold air is coming out of the vents. If not, contact a professional to recharge the Freon in your AC unit. Hopefully, that solves the issue
Check the temperature difference between the filter inlet and the register outlet. ACs can only cool a certain amount at once. If the temperature gap is off, it could be due to low refrigerant or a dirty evaporator coil. Also, make sure to inspect the condenser coil outside for clogs. A lack of refrigerant or restricted airflow can cause the evaporator coil to ice up, resulting in no cooling
Have your AC system checked. Low refrigerant levels can lead to longer run times
Oh, and don’t forget to make sure the outdoor coil is nice and clean.
Ensure proper attic ventilation and invest in attic insulation for the best value
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Nobody gives a darn.
Have you checked the filter recently? It’s important to stay on top of filter changes for optimal performance.
Consider investing in insulation or energy-efficient appliances. Alternatively, you could opt for an energy-efficient unit and upgrade your insulation.
Recently, I had a company add more loose insulation and install a thermal barrier in my attic. HVAC professionals have noticed how much cooler my attic is compared to homes without the barrier. I live in South Carolina.
Had a similar issue. I had a technician come over and inform me that the refrigerant in my A/C unit was low. He mentioned that because it was R-22 refrigerant, it would be expensive to refill the unit. The unit is 25 years old. He recommended replacing the unit.
R22 is expensive, even for those who need to buy a tank of it. It might be worth considering replacing the unit. My boyfriend is an HVAC technician.
I prefer to address the issue by doing my best to correct it. When it gets really hot during the day (around 100 degrees), I think better insulation could really help. I noticed that two of my supply grills were only about 68 or 69 degrees.
The ideal supply air temperature for is around 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Proper insulation would definitely help .
I always advise my clients to upgrade their insulation. If the temperature reading on your ceiling is between 90 to 140, it’s probably time for a replacement or upgrade. Keep in mind that an AC unit can only remove a certain amount of heat, so if there’s more heat entering than the AC can handle, your indoor temperature will rise. Make sure your pressures and temperature drop are within the proper range.
When was the last time you replaced your HVAC filters?
Hey , I just finished doing that today
Living in an older home with old windows? Location and window orientation play a big role, along with window type/efficiency. An outdated cooling system can be very inefficient too.
Consider hiring an energy rater to conduct a thorough check on your home, including insulation, air leaks, and more. Your utility company might offer rebates or discounts.
Consider air sealing in the attic. It’s worth looking into before adding more insulation. Does it actually work? I have no idea. But according to building science, it’s beneficial. It’s something I’m looking into before insulating my old home. I currently have none and depend on window units for cooling.
Hey Chris, do you have no insulation here? This is my place.
I barely had anything left that had given me. What we did have was in pretty rough shape. I’ve been doing a lot of work on the old house. Still need to replace some ceilings, so I’m waiting to finish all that up before tackling the insulation as the very last thing. Hopefully, I’ll have it all done by this fall or winter. I actually live in central eorgia.
Is cooler than me. You probably experience snow and ice ❄️. We typically don’t.
Do you feel cold air coming out of the ducts, and is it blowing strongly? If it’s leaking in the attic, it won’t cool effectively.
This might have something to do with it. I’ll make sure to clean the outside coils tomorrow. eez.
Considering you’re in Florida, I understand your struggle. Maybe try putting a sprinkler on low on the outside coil.
Hey , I used an Ames laser temperature gun to scan it, and a couple of grills were reading about 68 to 69 degrees.
Time to close the curtains and go around in our birthday suits.
Ny Ziegler can’t get away with anything with mom around 😂
I really hope there’s an HVAC technician here.