Why Is My Electric Bill Suddenly Higher in Summer?

A higher summer electric bill doesn't automatically mean your AC is broken. Start by looking at both energy use and how the cooling system is behaving.

Was the weather different?

Longer or hotter cooling periods can increase runtime. Avoid comparing two bills without considering how much the system had to run.

Did the thermostat setting change?

Even a household schedule change can affect cooling demand.

Is the AC running longer than usual?

If the system now runs almost constantly or struggles to reach the thermostat setting, investigate why.

Check the filter

A heavily loaded filter can restrict airflow. Follow your system's filter requirements.

Check for obvious airflow problems

Make sure normal supply and return areas aren't unintentionally blocked.

Other electricity use matters

The HVAC system isn't the only possible source of increased electricity use. Changes involving pool equipment, electric water heating, appliances, electric vehicles, or home occupancy may affect the bill.

When should I suspect the HVAC system?

Look more closely when a higher bill is accompanied by reduced cooling, longer runtime, strange sounds, short cycling, or unusual temperature differences.