That first shockingly high summer energy bill has a way of hitting you right in the gut. Suddenly, the cool comfort of your AC feels a lot less comfortable.
We know the heat hits different here in Virginia. From the sticky humidity rolling off the James River to those brutal July afternoons in Richmond when the pavement shimmers like a mirage, we’re dealing with that relentless, “I’m not leaving the house” kind of heat. And when that heatwave settles over the Northern Neck or pushes through Central Virginia, we all know the feeling of watching your AC kick on and wondering, “How much is this going to cost me?” It’s the classic battle: staying cool vs. not having a panic attack when the electric bill arrives.
The numbers tell the story: California residents now spend an average of $248 per month on electricity—that’s 24% higher than the national average—with the average monthly residential electricity bill hitting $186, over 20% higher than the typical American household. While Virginia’s rates aren’t quite as steep as California’s, we’re still seeing significant increases. Virginia households are feeling the pinch as electricity costs continue to rise at an alarming rate of 7.7% yearly across much of the country.
Your AC Might Be Working Harder, Not Smarter
You might think that a sky-high summer energy bill is just the price of living in beautiful Virginia. But what if it’s not just the humidity’s fault? What if your AC unit itself is the real culprit?
An old, inefficient, or poorly maintained AC has to work much harder and run longer to cool your home. It consumes significantly more electricity to achieve the same result, and you’re the one paying for all that wasted energy on your monthly bill. The data backs this up: a 20-year-old air conditioning system might use 6 kWh of electricity to cool an average-sized house, while a modern AC system could cool that same house using as little as 1.71 kWh of electricity. That’s more than three times the energy consumption!
Older AC units typically have SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings of 10 or lower, while modern systems boast ratings from 14 to 25. To put this in perspective, the U.S. Department of Energy reports that homeowners can save between 20% and 40% on cooling costs by replacing an old air conditioner with a high-efficiency model.
So, what can you do about it? You’ve got a few options.
Your Attack on High Energy Bills
Fighting back against a budget-busting Virginia summer doesn’t have to be complicated. It really comes down to giving your AC the support it needs.
1. Think of it like an oil change for your car; you wouldn’t drive all over Richmond and the Northern Neck for a year without one, right? The same goes for your AC. An annual tune-up is, without a doubt, the single best way to keep your system running efficiently. Our techs clean the coils, check refrigerant levels, and make sure every part is working in harmony, and a little preventative care with professional AC maintenance goes a long way toward keeping costs down, especially when Virginia’s humidity puts extra strain on your system.
2. Is your AC making a weird rattling noise? Blowing air that’s kinda… lukewarm on those sweltering Ashland afternoons? Don’t just cross your fingers and hope it goes away. Those are warning signs that your system needs help. Old air conditioners prove more vulnerable to refrigerant leaks that put excessive strain on the system, increasing their energy demands. Addressing the problem quickly with professional AC repair can often be the difference between a simple fix and a full system meltdown on the hottest day of the year.
3. If your AC unit is getting up there in age, especially if it’s over 10-15 years old, it might be time to consider an upgrade. We know, we know—nobody loves the idea of a big purchase. But today’s AC units are lightyears ahead of older models in terms of energy efficiency. The Department of Energy says you can save between 20% and 40% on your annual energy costs with a new unit, and after the wear and tear of a decade or two, older systems no longer run at their peak—a 10 SEER unit is likely to operate closer to an 8 SEER efficiency. Investing in modern air conditioning systems can drastically cut your monthly cooling costs, paying for itself over time while providing you with more reliable, powerful, and quiet cooling that can handle Virginia’s demanding climate.
We’re Your Neighbors
Here at Gilman Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, we’re not some faceless company. We live and work in this community, too. We know what Virginia’s summer heat and humidity feel like, and we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between comfort and your budget.
From Kilmarnock to Richmond to Ashland, we’ve been helping Virginia families stay comfortable for years. We understand how our unique climate—with its combination of heat, humidity, and those sudden afternoon thunderstorms—can put extra stress on your HVAC system.
So, before that next heatwave settles over Central Virginia, let’s make sure your AC is ready to win the battle.
Contact us today to schedule your service and keep your home cool and your energy bills manageable all summer long.