The HVAC system is often the single largest consumer of power in the house. Whether you are worried about your carbon footprint or simply your monthly power bill, it is helpful to know how much electricity your air conditioner is consuming.
The Age of Your System Matters
While it is difficult to face the potentially large cost of upgrading an AC system, the investment can often be worth it. There is no way around it: older air conditioners are a lot less efficient. If your home’s HVAC system is an older model, it is likely to consume more electricity. This effect is compounded by the fact that older houses tend to be more poorly insulated, and thus, they require greater amounts of energy to cool. If your HVAC is older, simply remember that maintenance can be a large contributor to energy consumption as well.
A Small Tweak Can Make a Big Difference
Although many people enjoy the comfort of keeping their Sparks home extremely cool throughout the summer, even a small tweak to the thermostat can make a big difference. Studies have shown that increasing the thermostat from 68 to 70 degrees can reduce energy consumption by more than 30%. The more shocking part? The same studies also showed that most participants could not feel the difference in temperature. If you are looking to save money, even a small tweak can help.
The Size of Your Home Impacts the Size of Your Bills
Beyond the age of your HVAC system, the size of your home has the second-largest impact. The larger the house, the harder your HVAC will have to work to maintain the indoor temperature. On average, a typical air conditioning system will consume about 3,500 watts of power per hour. In terms of dollars, this will mean about $4 per day. While this may seem like a small amount, remember that an extra $4 daily can add on an extra $120 to your monthly bills.
If you are looking for ways to increase the efficiency and comfort of your home, it might be time to give the qualified professionals at Gibson Plumbing and Mechanical in Sparks, NV, a call. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment. Our team can help with heating, cooling, and plumbing services.
