A sudden surge in summer energy costs should be investigated at once. It might mean that you need air conditioner repairs, AC maintenance services, or even an AC replacement. Here are some common culprits that can send Decatur, IL utility bills spiraling skyward:
Dirty HVAC System
Your AC needs preventive maintenance before it starts work in spring. Your equipment will be dirty from last season, and the accumulated grime will make energy-efficient operation difficult. A grungy air conditioner will jack up utility bills by making your equipment overwork just to power through the dirt.
Failing Parts
A part that’s going bad will struggle to perform before it finally fails. In the meantime, the stress of operating with a handicap will force your air conditioner to consume excessive energy.
Damaged Ductwork
Decatur homes routinely lose up to 30 percent of treated air through torn and disconnected ducts. When your AC is constantly working overtime to compensate for these losses, it’s a surefire recipe for high utility bills. Ducts can also accumulate a thick blanket of filth that blocks airflow. Your air conditioner will gobble energy as it pushes treated air through the muck.
Strip Heat Is Turned On
Faulty thermostat wiring can cause your heat pump’s electric resistance heating component to turn on. This can happen during the summer when the component should be turned off. Running your air conditioner and strip heat together can quadruple your electric bill.
Old Age
Air conditioners gradually lose efficiency with age. If your air conditioner is 10 to 15 years old, utility bills may be increasing every month. As the unit continues to age and loses efficiency, utility bills will climb even more.
At Tica, Inc., Heating and Cooling, we’re here 24/7 for emergency air conditioner repairs. Call us at (217) 635-2230 to schedule AC maintenance services.
