2 Reasons Your Air Conditioning Unit May Be Driving Up Your Energy Bills
If you have noticed that your energy bills are rising at an alarming rate, your air conditioning unit could be to blame. Over time, air conditioning units can develop problems which cause them to operate inefficiently. This leads to the unit using more electricity, which is both bad for your bank balance and the environment. Below is a guide to two common reasons that your air conditioning unit may have become inefficient.
Clogged Filter
The filter in your air conditioning unit is designed to capture dust, debris and other contaminants which are in the atmosphere of your home. However, the trapped debris can begin to clog the filter, making it much more difficult for air to pass freely through the unit. This means that unit must work much harder in order to keep your home cool. A clogged filter can also result in a lower level of air quality in your home, which could trigger illnesses such as asthma. A clogged filter can place so much strain on the air conditioning unit that it fails completely. To prevent this, you should periodically change or clean your air conditioner's filter, especially in the spring when you are gearing up to use your air conditioning unit a lot as temperatures begin to rise. The manufacturer's manual should list how often this needs to be done.
Leaking ducts
If the ducts within your air conditioning unit are not correctly insulated or sealed, air may begin to leak from the system as it is pumped around. This means that the air conditioning unit will have to work much harder in order to maintain a steady, cool temperature in your home. To ensure there are no leaks in the air conditioning ducts, you should have the entire system periodically inspected by an air conditioning specialist. This will ensure that any leaks are spotted and repaired before they cause your house to become warm and your electricity bill to skyrocket.
If you think that your air conditioning unit is using too much energy because of its age, you should consider upgrading to a newer model. Before installing a new air conditioning unit, you should have the entire system inspected by a qualified professional. They will be able to ensure everything is in good working order before fitting the new unit.
If you require any further information about how to best maintain your air conditioning unit, contact an HVAC specialist today.
