If your cooling costs are rising every month, don’t be so quick to assume that it’s due to excess use. Unless you’re using a smart thermostat or regulating temperatures very closely every day, it would be difficult to truly assess whether you’ve been using more energy than usual.
Assuming your AC use has remained moderate, there are several other reasons your costs may be on the rise, and they could be enough to warrant air conditioning repair in Homestead, FL. Here are just four of them:
1. Forgetting to Change the Air Filter
We mention this one first because it’s the one thing on the list you can do right now without the help of a specialist. Yet, it’s one of the most common causes of inefficiency and air conditioning repair problems.
The air filter’s job is to trap dust and dirt before it can reach the sensitive components of your AC. However, your AC needs a steady flow of air if you expect it to generate cooled air efficiently. A clogged air filter will restrict airflow and cause a chain reaction of problems through the system, starting with rising energy costs.
2. Leaks in Your Ducts
If you’re using a central AC or traditional heat pump, then you know that your AC relies on a duct system to transfer air throughout the home. If that duct system is compromised, it can become a significant drain on your energy.
Several years of service from your ducts may create a tear or disconnect in your ducts, resulting in a duct leak. Duct leaks can account for nearly 30% of lost air—a figure that will translate directly into your cooling bill. If you suspect you have a duct leak, call right away to schedule a duct test.
3. Refrigerant Leak
When it comes to ductless heat pumps, you won’t have to worry about duct leaks at all. However, your concerns will be replaced with a refrigerant leak.
A refrigerant leak is the chemical that courses through heat pump and allows for the transfer of heat. Without it, there’s no way to remove the warm air from your home.
However, corrosion can create pinhole leaks in the refrigerant line. These leaks will gradually expand, all the while raising your energy expenses and causing damage to the compressor.
4. Your System is Too Old
Sometimes, your systems just won’t perform the way it’s supposed to, no matter what you do. If that’s the case, you most likely have a system that has aged past its prime. After that point, the system will just keep declining.
Air conditioners can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, and possibly more or less. It all depends on how well you take care of your AC during its lifespan.
Best Way to Curb Costs? Maintenance!
Above all, your best bet for reducing expenses with routine maintenance. A comprehensive check of your entire system can prevent nearly 85% of HVAC issues, significantly reducing your chances of repair issues as well as keeping your energy costs low.