Your air conditioning system consumes a significant amount of power, so if your energy bills are spiking, inspect your HVAC system as it could be the culprit. Below are some common HVAC problems that can cause your power bills to rise. However, for a proper inspection, call in AC repair services.
Reasons Your HVAC Bill Is So High
Dirty Or Clogged Air Filters
Air Filters are simple HVAC components, but they have a huge impact on the performance of the unit. They keep your air conditioner system free from dust and debris, ensuring comfortable indoor air quality and optimal performance. But they get clogged with dust and debris over time and must be cleaned or replaced once every 1-3 months. The exact time depends on your usage, the size of the unit, and the air quality.
However, if air filters are not cleaned on time, they restrict airflow. This makes reaching the set temperature harder for the HVAC system because there is reduced airflow. So, the unit works harder than usual to make up for the low airflow and cool the home. In the process, it runs for longer periods and consumes more power, which means higher energy bills.
Your HVAC system may have a single or multiple air filters. The most common location is in the return air vent. You can also check for an air filter in the air handler unit.
The air filters can be washable or disposable. A simple sign that the filter is washable is that it would have a metal or plastic frame, whereas disposable filters have a cardboard frame. Washable filters can last from 4-10 years, however, you do need to wash them regularly.
Dirty Condenser Unit
The condenser unit is the outdoor unit and it has vital components, like the condenser coil and the condenser fan, along with its motor. The primary role of the condenser coil in the summer is to dissipate heat generated during the indoor cooling process. The fan is to aid in that process, while the fan motor is what runs the fan.
Therefore, if the condenser unit is not regularly cleaned, it directly impacts the heat dissipation process. When the unit can’t remove heat properly, it can’t cool the house optimally. You will see a decline in the HVAC performance while the unit will keep running for longer, leading to a hike in the energy bills.
Even though many recommend that you clean the condenser unit once a year, it’s a good habit to clean it at least twice a year, preferably in spring and fall, so that you don’t have to go through this process in the summer or winter months when you need the HVAC system to work smoothly without it consuming more power than it requires.
That said, if the location of the outdoor unit has a lot of trees, the leaves and twigs can block the fan, creating problems. Similarly, during extreme winter, snow can block the condenser unit. So, you will have to clean the outdoor unit more frequently in these cases.
Leaky Ductwork
This one is simple to explain, but it’s a big problem. Any leaks in the ductwork will keep letting the cool air escape through cracks or holes. According to rough estimates, a leaky ductwork can lose 20% to 30% of the airflow. This makes it difficult for the HVAC to reach the set temperature and cool the house. So, it will run almost continuously or for very long periods, which will directly increase the energy bills.
So, if you notice signs like hot and cold spots in the house, weak airflow from vents, noisy vents, more dusty indoors than usual, or the unit running longer than usual, it could be due to a leak in the air ducts. So, consult an expert.
Low Refrigerant Levels
An HVAC system has a condenser coil (inside the outdoor unit) and an evaporator coil (in the air handler unit). They are connected via refrigerant lines. They are called refrigerant lines because refrigerant flows through them and plays its role in the cooling process in the summer and the heating process in the winter.
The refrigerant levels stay uniform unless there is a leak in the condenser coil, evaporator coil, or piping. This lowers the refrigerant levels and impacts the cooling performance of the unit. The HVAC system also works harder and runs for longer periods to try to cool the house. However, the air from vents feels warmer, and the cooling is inconsistent.
Other signs of low refrigerant levels are hissing or bubbling sounds near the condenser unit or the air handler unit, ice buildup on the coils or the refrigerant lines, unusual smells near the consider unit, and a frequently tripped circuit breaker. If you’re noticing a few of these signs of refrigerant leakage, consult HVAC repair services Stony Brook.
Improperly Sized Unit
If the HVAC system is oversized or undersized for the house, it won’t work efficiently or cool consistently, which will raise power bills.
Oversized units are especially infamous for consuming more power. It happens because the oversized HVAC system will cool the house too quickly, and also turn off earlier than normal, usually in less than 10 minutes. Due to this, the unit will keep cycling on and off in short periods. This not only impacts the cooling performance but also the energy consumption.
When an HVAC unit kicks on, it consumes more power before steadily using lower power. As an oversized unit will turn on and off too frequently, it will use more power than a properly sized unit, increasing the energy bills.
On the other hand, an undersized HVAC system runs continuously because the space is bigger than its capacity, yet the indoor temperature doesn’t feel comfortable, especially during peak summer months. This increases energy bills. Contact an expert for HVAC load calculation and advice.
Old HVAC System
As HVAC systems get old, their components wear out. This gradually reduces the cooling efficiency of the unit. If your air conditioner is older than 10-15 years, it may not be efficient enough and may be the cause of increased energy bills. So, it’s better to invest in a modern, energy-efficient HVAC unit.
Apart from the age of the unit, another important sign that it’s time to replace it is frequent repairs. If you find yourself repairing the HVAC system more than once or twice a year, and it’s older than 10 years, then you should consider a replacement.
Other Factors That Can Raise Energy Bills
- Setting the thermostat too low in the summer.
- Keeping the Fan setting at ON instead of AUTO.
- Obstructed or closed vents.
- Poor home insulation
- Air leaks around doors and windows
- Keeping curtains or blinds open during the day
- Skipping bi-yearly professional HVAC maintenance
Conclusion
Even though many factors can influence your energy bills, HVAC systems take a lot of power, so inspecting them is a good start. To lower energy bills, maintain your HVAC system, clean the air filters and the outdoor unit regularly, and keep an eye out for unusual problems. If you notice any issues, call in air conditioner repair services Smithtown.
