Key Takeaways:
- A variety of issues can cause poor cooling and high utility bills.
- Common culprits include clogged air filters, dirty coils, incorrect refrigerant levels, poorly insulated ducts, an improperly sized AC unit, and an outdated air conditioner.
- Improper installation and lack of maintenance can also cause your air conditioning unit to run inefficiently, leading to higher utility bills and inadequate cooling.
- Hire an air conditioner expert to check and service your unit to ensure it’s running as efficiently as possible.
- Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is a reliable service provider in Chester, PA, that can help you with all your air conditioning needs.
There’s nothing like breathing in cool, refreshing air from an air conditioner on a hot summer day. Especially if you reside in Pennsylvania, where the heat and humidity can reach stifling levels during the summer months, making it near impossible to stay cool without an air conditioner.
However, as much as we rely on our ACs to keep us cool and comfortable, they commonly break down or experience other issues. Diagnosing the problem quickly and accurately is crucial to avoid expensive repair bills or, worse yet, a failing air conditioning unit. One of the most common issues people experience with their air conditioners is poor cooling and a subsequent rise in utility bills.
If you’re in this situation, you need not worry! There are several reasons why your utility bills might rise, although your air conditioner isn’t working as well as it once did. This blog post will review the eight most common culprits of rising AC bills and poor cooling.
1. An Old, Inefficient System
No matter how well-maintained or high-quality the system is, all air conditioners have a limited lifespan. As they age, their efficiency levels start to drop, and they become less capable of doing their job. It could be the compressor, fan motor, condenser failing, or the unit’s components wearing out.
The result is higher energy bills as your air conditioner tries to work harder to maintain the same temperature – however, it won’t necessarily make the air cooler.
If your air conditioner is over ten years old, replace it with a new, more efficient model. Contact an air conditioner expert for advice and to find out about the best unit for your home. And with today’s energy savings, you could save hundreds of dollars annually on your energy bills.
2. Clogged Air Filters
Air filters in an air conditioning unit help to keep the air in your home clean and free of dust, pollen, and other allergens. Over time, however, filters can become clogged or dirty, limiting the airflow and reducing the efficiency of your air conditioner.
Clean the air filter at least once a month to maintain optimal airflow and keep your air conditioner running efficiently.
3. Incorrect Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerants are liquids that cool and circulate the air in your AC system. If the levels are too low, it can reduce the system’s efficiency and lead to ice accumulation on the coils.
Similarly, if the refrigerant levels are too high, it can cause moisture to build up inside the system, leading to mold and mildew growth.
It’s essential to have a qualified air conditioner expert check your refrigerant levels and adjust them as needed.
4. Poorly Insulated Ducts
Ducts are pipes that carry cool air to different parts of your home. If they aren’t insulated properly, air can escape through the walls before it can cool down and reach its destination.
It can lead to uneven cooling and higher energy bills as the AC system has to work harder to reach the desired temperature. Make sure your ducts are insulated and sealed to avoid this issue.
5. Dirty Coils
The evaporator and condenser coil in the air conditioning unit is located outside your home and are responsible for transferring heat in and out.
If these coils become dirty, their ability to absorb and release heat decreases the cooling system’s efficiency. It can cause your AC system to work harder, even overheat, leading to higher energy bills. So, inspect the coils regularly and keep them free of dirt and debris to avoid this problem.
6. Incorrectly Sized System
The air conditioner comes in various sizes or capacities to fit different-sized homes. If you’re trying to cool a house of about 1500 square feet and have an AC designed for an 800-square-foot home, it will work overtime to cool the larger space. This can cause the air conditioning unit to operate inefficiently or break down prematurely.
Therefore, purchase an air conditioner with the correct capacity for your needs. An air conditioner expert can measure your home and help you choose the best size air conditioner for optimal efficiency.
7. Poor Installation
Installing an air conditioner requires tools, knowledge, and expertise, as several steps are involved, including adequately sizing the unit, wiring it into your electricity, and running the necessary ductwork.
A poor installation can lead to poor performance, uncomfortable temperatures, and even health hazards from leaking refrigerants. It could also void your warranty, meaning you’ll be responsible for any repairs or replacements.
Only a professional air conditioner expert knows what to look for and how to properly install the air conditioning unit.
8. Lack of Maintenance
If you’re among the property owners who don’t get their air conditioners serviced regularly, you might often run into problems. Dirt and debris can build up on the unit, reducing its efficiency and potentially damaging it.
Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your air conditioner running optimally and avoiding expensive repairs in the future. Set up regular tune-ups and filter changes with a professional technician for the best results.
Related: HVAC System Maintenance Steps to Perform This Summer
Hire a Reliable Company to Install or Repair Your Air Conditioning Unit
No matter what type of air conditioner you have, hiring an experienced professional for regular maintenance and repairs is a good idea.
Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, serving Chester, PA, and the surrounding areas, offers experienced HVAC services to keep your air conditioning unit running smoothly.
Our technicians know all the ins and outs of cooling systems and how to keep them running optimally throughout the year. We specialize in installing, repairing, and maintaining air conditioners, from central AC systems to ductless mini-splits.
We can also provide practical energy-saving tips and information to help keep your cooling costs low.
Ready to get started? Get a free estimate for your air conditioning service needs today!
