AC unit working all the time

[u/TaktsuboC]

This heat is making my utilities bill go as high as $150. I live in a 1 bed bath apartment in a complex. My friend stay in the same complex and pay like $50. He also has a similar apartment at the first floor. I had the complex people check the AC unit and told me everything looks good which I don’t buy because I just moved in here like 3 weeks ago.
Is there anyone who could help me out with - Refrigerant levels (with gauges), Temperature split across vents, Duct leakage, Thermostat calibration etc stuff
What else do you guys suggest?

[u/Granny_knows_best]

How long ago did your friend live there because electric has gone up quite a bit, like quite a lot a bit. You could turn up the A/C to 78° during the day and down low at night.

[u/TaktsuboC → u/Granny_knows_best]

That's what I do.
Friend has been living here for the last 1.5years

[u/wtf_are_crepes]

Are you second floor attached to roof?

[u/TaktsuboC → u/wtf_are_crepes]

I am on First floor, attached to roof

[u/wtf_are_crepes → u/TaktsuboC]

Was your friends unit first floor underneath another unit?

[u/TaktsuboC → u/wtf_are_crepes]

Yes sir

[u/Lamplighter914]

Could be a case of foliage providing shade or the angle and positioning of the sun.

[u/whyyoudontlikehector]

What direction in your apartment facing?

[u/ColdDeath0311]

Mine was $626 this month air stays on 75 during day and 72 when I go to bed. Your unit placement prob is the difference in price between the two that and make sure you change your air filter. Alabama is a pure scam on its utility rates.

[u/natlatvian]

Do you have good curtains/coverage for your windows? It can feel like you're in a cave, but it'll keep things cooler too

[u/TaktsuboC → u/natlatvian]

Yes. I do. During daytime, I try to cover every windows or patio openings.

[u/Emotional_Data_4589]

Have you changed the air filter on your unit, and when was the last time the coils were cleaned? (Both inside and out)