4 Reasons Why your Cooling Bill is Too High and How You Can Fix It
Did your last month’s bill make you gasp? Or did it leave you with a grin? If it’s the former, the chances are that your bill was higher than usual.
The summer season in New Jersey can push the figure on your cooling bill statement— it’s common. But when the rise is significant, you may have to take action. Of course, before doing that, you need to know the reason for the spike.
Fortunately, we have saved you the stress of figuring that out. Here are some common reasons why your cooling bill looks like
- Dirty Air Filters
The cooling system consists of many parts, including the freeze plugs, water pump, thermostat, radiator, cooling fans, and one of the most important elements—the air filters.
The air filters help clean the air that circulates through your cooling system. Sometimes, these filters get clogged with dirt, dust, and other particles. When that happens, airflow is restricted, and your air conditioner may take longer to cool down your home. The longer it takes to cool your home, the higher your energy bills.
Try replacing your filters every three months. By doing so, you cut down the cooling system’s energy usage by 15%.
- Faulty Parts
As mentioned earlier, a cooling system consists of several components. These components work in unison to cool your home. However, when one or more of these components begin to malfunction or wear, it can lower the efficiency of the entire unit.
The result? An energy bill that makes you gasp with dilated pupils. To ensure that your cooling system remains in top shape, contact an HVAC technician if you notice any issues.
Keep your eyes and ears out for things like:
- Strange noises
- Overheating
- Overcooling
- Frozen coolant
- Wrong temperature gauge reading
- Door and Window Leakage
Leaky windows can result in the formation of moulds. On the other hand, leaky doors can result in water and insect intrusion.
But there is more to a leaky door and window. Door and window leakage can allow hot air into your home, forcing your cooling system to work harder. This can lead to the low efficiency of your cooling system and an increase in your cooling bill.
Inspect your door and windows for leaks. If you find any, call in a professional to fix them. However, in some cases, you’ll have to consider window installation in NJ to address the issue.
- Ancient Air Conditioner
Modern air conditioners are energy efficient. These systems can cool your home quickly. Old air conditioners, on the other hand, are less energy efficient. They need to work harder to cool down a home resulting in a rise in energy usage.
It is also possible for an old cooling system to find it hard to cool specific areas of your home. This may prompt you to reduce your thermostat, raising your energy bills in the process. If your cooling system is old, ensure you replace it with an energy-efficient unit. Sticking to an old system can increase your energy bills and cause you to spend money on repairs.
Final Thoughts
A high cooling bill can send your monthly bills out of control, straining your finances in the process. However, you can save a lot of money if you sit down, take note of the energy vampires in your home and take time to address them.