Utility bills can be hard to face sometimes, especially in harsh temperature conditions. All too often homeowners wonder “why is my energy bill so high?” without knowing steps they can take to help lower the bill. So here are 5 HVAC mistakes homeowners make which can lead to higher utility bills.
Creating a High Energy Bill by Using Dirty Air Filters
Proper airflow is significant to an HVAC system’s performance. If you’re asking yourself “why is my energy bill so high?” the first step is to check the condition of the HVAC filter. Dirty air filters can often be the culprit of lower system performance due to the lack of airflow. Therefore, the system has to work harder and use more energy to keep cooling the house. In addition to working harder, the lack of airflow can also cause serious damages such as a frozen evaporator coil or mold growth.
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Waiting to Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat
We have a button to start our cars to pre-heat or cool down before we climb inside them. So why wouldn’t we want to take advantage of that same technology for our house? Rather than spend money keeping the house cool while no one’s there, a programmable thermostat is a much better option. Keep in mind that a programmable thermostat needs input from the homeowners. Without learning how to program the thermostat, it’s not going to save homeowners money unless it’s a smart thermostat.
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Running an Improperly Sized HVAC System
Both oversized and undersized HVAC units can have considerable effects on a utility bill. When oversized, the house will feel cool but stuffy as it won’t have the ability to reduce the humidity levels. When undersized, the system can’t regulate the indoor temperature effectively even while running constantly. Seeking relief from either of these problems, homeowners will continue to lower their thermostat and use more energy.
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Cooling Your Home with Old HVAC System Can Produce a High Energy Bill
Technology is improving by leaps and bounds over the recent years, including HVAC improvements. These improvements not only increase system performance but also lower utility bills up to 20% due to better efficiency. Just like any machine, HVAC units wear down, need repairs and lose energy efficiency. If you have an old HVAC system that’s older than 10 years, it might be time to start researching for a new model. As HVAC units approach the end of their lifespan, they become more costly to upkeep.
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Skipping Spring Cleaning and Maintenance
Using spring cleaning and maintenance is essential for helping your unit be prepared for operating in the summer heat. The most common mistake that impacts energy bills is neglecting HVAC maintenance. Dirty HVAC systems have to work harder and longer to achieve the same degree of comfort and temperature control. This leads to using more energy with lower efficiency and a higher energy bill at the end of the month. Clean HVAC units significantly lowers the stress on the system which allows it to operate with peak performance. A maintenance check up helps ensure there are no drainage issues, water leaks, worn parts, frayed wires, dirty filters and much more. It’s never too late to assess the condition of your HVAC unit. Reach out to one of our HVAC technicians at Satterlee today to learn about what’s covered in our HVAC inspection! Don’t sacrifice your comfort in the heat of summer by waiting until there’s a problem!
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