When north-central North Carolina has a heat wave, you need your air conditioner to keep you cool. However, when you later see your power bill, you might have second thoughts about the importance of staying cool. Why is my electric bill so high in the summer?
Multiple issues cause power bills to increase in summer, including using air conditioning. Trust reliable electricians in Chapel Hill, NC, to help you find ways to save money on your cooling bill and overall electrical costs.
1. You Have Increased Power Usage
It’s normal to have an increased power bill during summer. Temperatures in Chapel Hill, NC, can reach the upper 80s and 90s during the summer months. You’ll naturally run your air conditioner more during this time, which means you’ll use more power.
Chapel Hill, NC, has a humid subtropical climate during the summer months. Removing humidity from the air in your home requires running the air conditioner more often, even when temperatures are not high.
2. You Pay Higher Electric Rates in Summer in Chapel Hill, NC
Why is my electric bill so high in the summer, and is this something out of my control? Understanding your electric bill also includes understanding the rates you’re paying.
Duke Energy serves the power needs of Chapel Hill, NC. It charges a higher rate during summer for some of its customers because of the increased demand for power across the grid.
When power companies experience peak demand in the warmer months, they need to generate more power. If they don’t have the capacity to generate it themselves, they need to buy power on the open market, which can be more expensive. Power companies also have higher maintenance costs when generating more power, which they might pass on to customers.
3. You Run Older Cooling System Equipment
Most air conditioners last from 10 to 15 years. Cooling systems near the end of their expected lifespans don’t run as efficiently. Performing annual maintenance on an older air conditioner can make it run more efficiently and cut down on your power bills.
4. Your Thermostat Is Set at a Lower Temperature
Your thermostat settings play a key role in how much you spend on power to run the air conditioner in summer. When running the air conditioner at a lower temperature setting, you increase your power usage. You might be using more power this summer because you’re running the air conditioner’s thermostat at a lower temperature without realizing it.
5. You Run More Power-Hungry Items
Why is my electric bill so high in the summer, and can I get it to come down? Most people use more power items during summer, such as fans, dehumidifiers, and a swimming pool pump.
The kids might be at home during school vacation and playing video games or turning down the thermostat when you aren’t home. Higher power bills naturally occur when more people are at home.
6. You Use Power at the Wrong Time of the Day
Some utility companies charge time-of-use (TOU) rates to raise the cost of power during high-demand times of the day. Although it is more common for commercial electric customers to receive increased TOU rates, it can happen to residential customers, too. If you use power during these high-demand times, usually during normal business hours, you may pay more on your electric bill.
7. Electric Rates Increased From Last Year
Electric rates may be simply higher now than they were a year ago. You can look at your current and past bills to see the rate you pay each month.
Annual rate increases are common from Duke Energy or other electric providers. Sometimes, though, electricity rates drop, so comparing rates from year to year by studying your bills is always a good idea when you’re unsure.
Our Experts Can Find Ways To Combat a High Electric Bill in the Summer in Chapel Hill, NC
Why is my electric bill so high in the summer, and what can I do about it? Finding ways to cut the power bill can be difficult on your own. That’s why the experts at Tech-On-Deck Heating, Air & Electric can consult with you to avoid a nasty surprise when you open the electric bill.
We can explain the impact of a new AC unit on the electric bill. Contact us today for help with managing your electricity costs. We serve all areas of Chapel Hill, NC, including those near the North Carolina Botanical Garden and Homestead Park.