Why does the summer electricity bill rise?
In most Saudi homes the air conditioner causes the summer jump in the bill. This guide covers what uses the electricity, what you can check yourself, and when to book an AC technician.
Written by: Ajeer team
3 minute read
Why does the bill jump in summer?
In summer the air conditioner runs most of the day. If the filter is blocked, cooling is weak, or dust surrounds the outdoor unit, the compressor stays on longer to reach the set temperature. That extra time is what shows on the bill, not the small appliances in the house.
The air conditioner, not the washing machine
A washing machine and a water heater use electricity, but they do not run all day. The air conditioner does, so any loss of efficiency shows up immediately. Start there before you look at the lights or a phone charger.
What should you check before booking a technician?
These checks are safe and do not need the electrical panel opened. If cooling returns afterwards, you usually do not need a visit this week.
- • Wash the indoor filter with water and let it dry before you put it back.
- • Move furniture away from the air outlets so cooling is not trapped in one corner.
- • Set the unit to 24 degrees Celsius instead of 18.
- • Close the door, and keep direct sun out of the room.
- • Look at the outdoor unit: move cardboard and piled dust away from it.
When should you book a service instead of checking at home?
Book a visit if you cleaned the filter and the air is still warm, you hear an unusual sound from the outdoor unit, you see ice on the pipes, or the bill jumped even though the hours of use did not. The technician checks for a leak and a compressor fault, and washes the unit properly rather than wiping the surface. Ask for the price in the Ajeer app before the visit so you can compare the service with a month of extra consumption.
Questions people ask about the summer bill
Each answer below stands on its own, which is the form a search result or an assistant can quote without the rest of the article.
If the air stays warm after you clean the filter, start with why an air conditioner is not cooling and then how to clean it from the inside. If the breaker trips or you smell burning, stop and read signs of damaged electrical wiring.
Why does the electricity bill rise in summer?
Because the air conditioner runs for more hours, and the compressor draws more power the harder it is to cool the room. A dirty filter, weak cooling, and a hot outdoor unit are the most common causes.
How often should I clean the air-conditioner filter in summer?
Once a month if the unit runs every day. In neighbourhoods near sandy roads the filter may need cleaning every two weeks.
Does setting the air conditioner to 18 cool the room faster?
No. A lower number does not cool the room faster. It keeps the compressor running without a break, so the bill rises. 24 degrees, with the door closed, costs less and feels better.
When should I call an AC technician instead of checking at home?
If the air stays warm after you clean the filter, ice appears on the pipes, the outdoor unit makes an unusual sound, or the bill rises without extra hours of use.
Related articles
Keep reading our experts' tips for cheaper, simpler home care
Air conditioningWhy is the air conditioner not cooling?
The usual reasons an air conditioner stops cooling are a dusty filter or low refrigerant from a leak. Cleaning the filter every month, and servicing the unit every six months, fixes most of these and extends the life of the unit.
Air conditioningHow do you clean an air conditioner from the inside?
Cleaning an air conditioner from the inside starts with the filter: take it out, wash it with water, and let it dry. Do not pour water into the unit, and do not charge the refrigerant yourself.
ElectricityWhat are the signs of damaged electrical wiring?
A burning smell, a warm outlet, sparks, a breaker that trips, or yellowing around a socket means the wiring needs an electrician. Do not open the electrical panel yourself.
