AS the temperatures rise, you may be making a simple mistake that is tacking on hundreds of extra dollars to your energy bill.
There’s an easy and free trick homeowners and renters can use to save on electricity, and it’s even been approved by an HVAC tech.
GettyEnergy bills are spiking as the temperature rises[/caption] TikTok / mountaindrewskyA TikToker has revealed a simple mistake that many Americans make when it comes to their AC units[/caption]This summer’s hot temperatures will bring with it record high electricity costs, with the average energy bill this June to September estimated at a whopping $784.
This marks a 6.2% raise from the $737 average in 2024 and the highest cost of electricity in at least 12 years, per a recent report from National Energy Assistance Directors Association, or NEADA.
Americans are unknowingly raising their energy bills and draining their pockets even further due to a common misconception.
While many believe that leaving an HVAC unit running constantly results in higher utility costs, that is not the case, according to one TikToker (@mountaindrewsky).
Instead, he claimed that turning the unit on and off is the culprit of high air conditioning bills.
The TikToker shared his newfound knowledge in a viral TikTok video last week, which has since accumulated over 4.4 million views.
“How old were you when you realized that turning your AC on and off in your house is what causes the high electricity bill?” he questioned.
“Not keeping it on like 65 or whatever you like sleeping at or having your house at. Turning it on and off, on and off – that’s what causes the high bill.”
The content creator noted that doing so not only spikes your electricity bill, but also takes life off your HVAC system.
“I found that out today. 23 years old. That’s awesome. So, keep your thing on all summer. And your bill’s gonna be a little bit lower. Trust me. Just do it,” he encouraged.
TikTok users flooded the comments with skepticism over whether the money saving hack was effective or not.
“I hear this sometimes but also think my electric company be paying people to tell me,” joked one user, and another pleaded for someone in the HVAC industry to verify if it was true.
One TikToker claimed that their parent was an HVAC contractor and that they were raised on the notion that leaving your unit running is more cost efficient than constantly turning it on and off.
“As an HVAC tech this is true,” chimed in another user, as a third shared that they previously put the switch to the test and found that their energy bill was indeed around $30 higher when they turned their unit on and off.
Air conditioner tips to keep you cool this summer
Here are some tips to get your air conditioner to pay off without exactly making you pay more, per Apartment Therapy:
Move electronics away from your thermostat as they may confuse it and make it think the room is hotter than it is Keep your A/C unit shaded Make sure to clean your A/C filter Leave your thermostat be Try not to move your vents too much Check your airducts Use your fanCOOLING CONFIRMED
Several air conditioning companies and experts have verified the claims put forward in the viral TikTok.
“Frequent cycling of your air conditioning unit is detrimental to its efficiency and longevity,” reads an article on HVAC efficiency from Smart AC Solutions.
Contrary to popular belief, turning an AC unit on and off can “lead to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills.”
Doing so can also “expedite wear and tear” on certain components of the HVAC unit, including the compressor and motor.
These units were designed for continuous usage, so turning the AC off and on forces the unit to cool down and then heat back up again.
This can use an excessive amount of electricity, spiking energy bills and put the unit at risk of early degradation.
Consumers could see their electricity costs rise by as much as 10% by constantly turning their system on and off, according to Parker and Sons.
As the hot summer months encroach, the price of AC units is skyrocketing due to a new “refrigerant” rule – and you face a hefty fee even if you already own one.
Meanwhile, as Americans scramble to keep cool, one energy company is offering “free electricity” every weekend – it just takes three easy steps.
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