Possible Culprits in HVAC Bill Going Up
No one likes seeing a rising bill in any area of expense, and this includes within your heating and air bills that come across the desk each month. We all want to remain comfortable within our homes and buildings from an air standpoint, but it’s also imperative to do so without breaking the bank – what are some of the reasons for rising HVAC bills that can be addressed?
At Accurate Air, we’re happy to help. Our air conditioner and furnace repair, upkeep and replacement services, plus a variety of air quality solutions, will keep your space both comfortable and healthy throughout the year. Whether on your own or with help from our trusty technicians wherever needed, here’s a look at some of the top possible causes of a rising HVAC bill, plus what can be done about each of them.
Thermostat Concerns
In some cases, the primary reason for a jump in monthly heating and air conditioning costs may have to do with the thermostat itself. If you have an older model, it may need to be replaced with a more energy-efficient option. Additionally, if your current thermostat isn’t properly calibrated, this can also lead to spikes in energy usage and related costs – something our team can quickly and easily take care of for you.
In addition, however, there are also a number of thermostat concerns that can arise from improper usage by the home or building owner. For instance, if you’re frequently adjusting the temperature up and down, this can cause your system to have to work harder than necessary, thereby using more energy and costing you more money. There are also cases where people will set their thermostats too low in the winter or too high in the summer, both of which can be problematic.
Outdated Equipment
If your air conditioner or furnace is on the older side, it may no longer be as energy-efficient as it once was. Over time, wear and tear takes its toll, making it necessary for your system to work harder in order to maintain the desired temperature in your space. Additionally, as technology improves, newer HVAC models are designed to be more efficient than ever before – meaning that if you’re still using an older system, you could be missing out on some serious savings.
For example, if your furnace is more than 15 years old, it may be time for a replacement. Newer models can save you up to 30% on your monthly energy bills, so this is definitely something to keep in mind if you’re looking for ways to cut costs.
Accumulation of Dust and Debris
If your HVAC system isn’t properly maintained, this can lead to a number of problems, one of which is an accumulation of dust and debris. This can cause your system to work harder than necessary in order to maintain the desired temperature, leading to higher energy bills. In addition, accumulation of dirt and debris can also lead to premature wear and tear on your system, which can end up costing you a lot of money in the long run.
Proper maintenance of your HVAC system is therefore essential if you want to keep your energy costs down. Our team can help with this in a number of ways, including regular cleaning and inspection of your system to make sure that it’s operating as efficiently as possible.
Leaks or Air Gaps
Efficiency within an HVAC system comes down to keeping air within the system – if there are leaks or air gaps, this can cause your system to work harder than necessary in order to maintain the desired temperature. Additionally, leaks and air gaps can also lead to drafts throughout your home or building, which can be extremely uncomfortable.
Our team can help you identify and seal any leaks or air gaps within your HVAC system – within several areas. Ducts, for instance, are a common source of leaks and air gaps, but these can often be easily sealed with the help of our team.
Improper Sizing
If your HVAC system is too small for your home or building, this can also lead to higher energy bills. This is because your system will have to work harder in order to maintain the desired temperature, leading to increased energy usage.
On the other hand, if your HVAC system is too large for your space, this can also be problematic. This is because your system will cycle on and off more frequently than necessary, which can lead to increased wear and tear – and higher energy bills.
It’s therefore important to make sure that your HVAC system is properly sized for your home or building. Our team can help you with this, as we have a great deal of experience working with a variety of different spaces.
Inadequate Insulation
If your home or building isn’t properly insulated, this can also lead to higher energy bills. This is because your HVAC system will have to work harder in order to maintain the desired temperature, leading to increased energy usage.
Our team can help you with this in a number of ways, including adding insulation to your attic or crawl space. We can also help you identify any areas where there may be drafts, and seal them accordingly.
While there are a number of possible causes of rising bills related to your HVAC system, many of these are easily enough identified and remedied. For more on this, or to learn about any of our other heating and air services for clients around Tempe, speak to our team at Accurate Air today.
