Do you think that you’re paying too much to keep your home cool through the hot season? Perhaps you’ve noticed that utility bills have been rising higher during the last year or so, despite no discernable increase in the amount that you use the AC. If this is the case, there are a number of possible reasons for it. In this post, we’ll look at a few of those reasons for rising cooling costs… and what you can do to reverse the trend.
For excellent professional air conditioning services that will help keep bills under control, contact the team at Malek Heating & Cooling. We’ve served Winnetka, IL and the entire Chicagoland area since 1968.
Why your AC costs so much to run
- It is worn down from age: High bills are often a warning that an air conditioner is reaching the end of its service life. Most ACs can last from 10 to 20 years, and occasionally longer if the system receives regular maintenance. But it is inevitable that the system will wear down to a point where all the repairs and maintenance available cannot restore it to its regular efficiency. It will continue to cost more to run until it suffers a full break down. It’s better to replace a costly system rather than to wait for the final failure.
- The thermostat is malfunctioning: If the thermostat that monitors the temperatures in your home becomes miscalibrated, it can have a major effect on the AC. The system will run longer than it should and make your bills rise higher. Professionals can recalibrate the thermostat, or recommend replacing it with a more advanced model.
- The air filter needs to be changed: You should change the air filter in the AC once a month whenever you need to have cooling on a regular basis. The filter will otherwise become so clogged that it will cut down of the airflow into the air conditioner. Consequently, the AC will overwork and drain additional electrical power.
If you cannot determine why your air conditioner is turning into a drain on your budget, have professionals inspect it and see what repairs will fix it, or if the best choice is to install a new air conditioner.