5 AC Problems That Cause Energy Bill Spikes

Posted on: Jun 17, 2019

As summer approaches, air conditioner usage is beginning to increase as temperatures can be unbearable without the wonderful cooling effects of this equipment. Of course, this means your utility bill will increase, but it doesn’t need to skyrocket. There are five primary problems that can cause your energy bills to spike when you are using an air conditioner. These include:

1. Dirty Air Filter

One of the most common reasons you could see an energy bill spike as a result of your air conditioner usage is a dirty air filter. HVAC owners regularly forget to replace their filter and as debris accumulates, it restricts the flow of air through the ductwork resulting in a lengthier time for the system to cool each room. As the temperature rises, this can be a major problem as the system works harder, thus generating more energy usage, to cool the area.

2. Compressor Issues

Internally, the compressor propels the coolant through coils to perform heat exchange through the application of energy. If the compressor is having issues, the unit won’t cool your space. If not enough coolant is being distributed, the compressor will run incredibly hot with the end result being a seizure of the system. If there is too much coolant, the refrigerant will find its way back to the compressor and result in a failure.

3. No Maintenance

Have you been putting off scheduling routine HVAC service? One of the primary reasons your air conditionerisn’t performing at 100-percent capacity is because it hasn’t received regular maintenance. This is critical to ensuring there are no leaks, the air filter is clean and there are no other issues. Energy bill spikes occur when your system is working beyond capacity as a result of not having a tune-up. An HVAC technician, like the professionals at Airco Service, can help keep your system running as efficiently as possible.

4. Poor Insulation

You may have the best air conditioner in the world but if the insulation is shoddy, then the wonderfully cool air will escape. Poor insulation can cause owners to decrease the temperature and operate the unit for longer to ensure the residence remains cool. Unfortunately, this will drive up your energy bill considerably. If you don’t have adequate insulation, there is no way your home will remain as cool and comfortable as it should.

5. Refrigerant Leaks

When there are refrigerant leaks, coolant will begin to leak, causing an inconsistent distribution of liquid resulting in temperature fluctuations. The location of the leak impacts the overall cost of the repair so it’s advisable to have the system examined once per year by an Airco Service air conditioning technician.

The best ways to keep an eye on all of these potential air conditioner problems that can cause your energy bills to skyrocket are to have regular maintenance performed by an Airco Service professional and be aware of these issues so you can periodically check the easily-accessible areas of your system. If you notice a considerable spike in your energy bill, one of these five issues is likely the culprit and you should contact Airco Service today!