When energy bills start to creep upwards, there are only a few explanations you can point to. While the Illinois sun may be hot during the summertime, if you’re comparing this year’s bills to last year’s, you may be asking yourself, “Why does my AC use so much electricity?” If you want to get to the heart of the matter and ensure your AC unit is working correctly, allow Leith Heating & Cooling, a trusted AC repair in St Charles, IL, to explain everything you need to know.
Why Does My AC Use So Much Electricity?
If you notice your electric bills beginning to rise, this may be a sign that you need AC maintenance. While there isn’t a singular problem we can instantly point to, higher energy bills and less cool air are signs that your air conditioner has to work harder to maintain the same level of cooling. If you want to determine the cause of your higher bills and help your air conditioner cool your home properly again, consider some of the following causes.
Continuous Indoor Air Control
If you’re always relying on your air conditioner to keep the air cold in your St. Charles home, you may be using it way too much. Constantly running your air conditioner without breaks can render the entire unit ineffective. If you want to try to beat the Illinois heat in a more balanced way, consider getting a programmable thermostat.
Lack of Regular Maintenance
If you’re wondering, “Why does my AC use so much electricity?” HVAC experts recommend that you maintain your system at least every three months. Without changing the air filters and getting your system checked, your machine may short-cycle, making your electricity bill higher and your air less cool. At the very least, it’s good to have your unit serviced once or twice a year.
Malfunctioning Thermostats
Think of your thermostat as the brain of your HVAC unit. If the thermostat is giving your air conditioner unit incorrect instructions, it may be handling the St. Charles heat ineffectively. If you have a malfunctioning thermostat, the good news is that your unit may be in great shape. Consider working with a professional to narrow down the issue during an appointment.
Old Unit
You may also notice a higher electricity bill because your unit is old. If you have an HVAC unit over 15 years old, it may be ineffective and costly to use. We recommend replacing your air conditioner every 15 years so that you can have a unit that keeps up with the St. Charles heat and humidity each season.
Leaking Air
Whether you have ductwork or not, air leaking out of the home can cause your energy bill to go up. When your parents chided you for leaving the door open, they were doing it for a reason. Air leaks, whether they be through windows, doors, ductwork, or holes in the wall, are always a hindrance to your energy bill. It can help to get your windows sealed, and if you have ductwork, consider calling a professional to inspect your vents for air leaks during your appointment.
Weather
St. Charles is known for hot weather during the summer months, and this can impact your energy bill. Changes in the weather herald higher needs for air conditioner usage, humidity clearance, and heater usage, making your energy bill increase over time. While you can’t do anything about the tides of the weather, you can control how you use your HVAC system when things get rough. For example, consider only running the unit during the hottest parts of the day.
Dusty Air Filters
One of the worst things you can do is leave dusty and dirty air filters in your furnaces and air conditioners. If you have air filters clogged with dust, you’re suffocating your entire system, making it work harder to satisfy your temperature needs.
For your air conditioner, this can make your unit overwork itself into an early death. For your furnace, dirty air filters are a flammable danger to your home. If you want to keep your air clean and your HVAC system energy-efficient, replace your air filters every three months.
Other Causes of High Energy Bills
In addition to air conditioner problems, these issues can also cause high electric bills.
Ineffective Light Bulbs
Did you know that using the wrong light bulbs in your home can cause your energy bills to go up? If you notice that your electrical bills are higher than you anticipate, consider getting economical light bulbs to help save yourself some money. LEDs use much less power than incandescent ones, so they’re a great choice.
Wasted Outlets
Do you have plenty of devices plugged into your outlets? If so, they may be the culprits for your ongoing energy problem, and you may not even know it. Secret sapping of your energy can happen when hair straighteners, controllers, phones, or other devices you aren’t actively using are plugged in. If you want to slash your energy bill, commit to unplugging devices while you’re not actively using them.
Wasteful Appliance Use
Have you ever loaded your dishwasher just a little and thought, “Good enough, let’s go.”? Doing this can be a major detriment to your energy bill if you do so often enough. When you use appliances like dryers, washing machines, or dishwashers, always try to use them at maximum capacity. Doing so ensures you’re not wasting power and water.
Work With Leith Heating & Cooling
Now that you know the answer to the question, “Why does my AC use so much electricity?” why not get all of your HVAC needs taken care of today? If you need a new AC installation or a part simply replaced, Leith Heating & Cooling is here for you.
We can answer all of your questions, whether you are considering upgrades like programmable thermostats or want tips on keeping your energy bill low. To call us for an appointment, reach out to Leith Heating & Cooling at 847-851-8698.