Summer is the time of year when you experience an increase in your energy costs, and your air conditioner is the main reason for that enlargement. However, that statement is too general. There are specific reasons within your HVAC system that contribute to the high costs of running your AC. That’s what this blog is all about.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted HVAC company in Minnetonka MN. We help homeowners like you keep their AC units in tip-top shape, delivering outstanding energy efficiency.
Take a look at these cases of exorbitant cooling costs during summer.
Your air ducts are leaking.
A central air conditioner delivers cooled air through a network of ducts installed throughout your home. When there’s a leak or any form of damage within the ducts, the cooled air produced by your AC escapes, wasting energy (and money) in the process. You will notice this problem when your cooling system takes longer to cool your space. There is also a considerably louder hissing noise coming from the ducts. Not only does this problem compromise your comfort, but it also causes you to lose money and harms the environment.
If you suspect a leak in your ductwork, we recommend you call your preferred HVAC contractor to spot the leak, seal it off, and restore your AC’s efficiency levels.
Your house has low-quality insulation.
The United States Department of Energy estimates that your HVAC equipment is responsible for about 43 percent of your utility bills. Since July and August are usually the hottest months of the year, your energy bills are expected to be higher than normal. The larger the difference between the temperature outside and the temperature inside, the harder your air conditioner works to provide your comfort levels.
In any home, insulation is the most practical and economical way to make a house more energy-efficient. If your home has second-rate insulation, some of the cool air coming from your vents will escape elsewhere, wasting a considerable amount of energy (like leaking ducts). Therefore, you should ask your local HVAC company to assess and make improvements to your home’s insulation. If your home is properly insulated, you can keep it cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Proper insulation can help you minimize your heating and cooling losses by as much as 80 percent. Also, standard insulation can lower the condensation in your home, avoiding the growth of mold and mildew. Simple insulation improvement can help you save on energy and help protect your family from the effects of exposure to poor humidity.
Your air filter is clogged.
We know this is a no-brainer. But countless homeowners call HVAC specialists like us, complaining about poorly performing air conditioners, only to find out they have been neglecting their filters. A clogged filter compromises the airflow within your AC, making it work harder than it should. As a result, the unit uses more energy, and the parts such as motors and the compressor are working with added pressure.
To avoid airflow issues, simply clean or replace your filters at least once per month or whenever necessary. Inspecting it every two weeks should be a good practice, too.
Your AC is leaking refrigerant.
The refrigerant is the substance in your air conditioner that removes the heat from your home and moves it outside. So if there is an insufficient amount of refrigerant in your AC, you can’t expect it to perform its job well.
Contrary to popular belief, the refrigerant should never be used up, since it doesn’t go anywhere. Having said that, refrigerant lines can sometimes have leaks, where the refrigerant escapes. If you notice your AC fails to make you feel cool as it used to, you may call an HVAC professional to inspect your system for leaks. The technician will detect the leak, seal it off, and charge the right amount of refrigerant in your air conditioner.
Ensure Your AC’s Energy Efficiency
To make sure your cooling system works according to the manufacturer’s specification, call Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We have teams of knowledgeable AC professionals who can fix whatever issues your unit has or detect abnormalities even before they escalate to serious problems. We are your dependable Edina AC repair and maintenance company.