What Could Be the Reasons for an Inefficient Air Conditioner | Tips from Your Fort Worth, TX Air Conditioning Service Provider
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Your air conditioner is a complex machine that is made up of several components. A problem with any one of its many parts can hinder the way it functions. There are a number of things that can go wrong with it that will lead to a spike in your energy consumption and electricity bills. Whatever the reasons may be, a reputable air conditioning service professional in the Fort Worth, TX area will always be able to guide you regarding the solution. Let’s explore what the possible reasons can be for an inefficient air conditioning system and the subsequent rise in power bills.
Dirty Air Filter
One of the primary reasons why your AC is causing your electricity bills to shoot up could be dirty or clogged air filters. Air filters ensure that the air handler, indoor coil, and ducting stay clean. They are supposed to be cleaned or replaced altogether every now and then, depending on the usage of the air conditioner. When that doesn’t happen, debris build-up is the natural outcome. The debris covers up the air filters; so much so that it goes on to hinder the flow of air through the ductwork. When the airflow is restricted, it will take the machine longer to cool your place down.
Due to this increase in runtime, you will have higher electricity bills along with overheating compressors and motors. These air filters come in two different categories; the reusable ones and the replaceable ones. Reusable ones can be cleaned from time to time while the replaceable ones have to be changed every month. The latter are recommended as they afford much better airflow. This is the simplest of measures you can take to increase your air conditioner’s efficiency and reduce the cost of your electricity bills. For anything else, call in a reputable air conditioning service.
Duct Leaks
The ductwork in your air conditioning system is responsible for distributing the cool (or warm) air throughout your house. It can have a substantial impact on the efficiency of your air conditioning system should anything go wrong with it. A leak anywhere along the ductwork is often the culprit behind energy inefficiency and a rise in the electricity bills. When there is a leak, your air conditioning system will take more time to reach the desired temperature levels of your home and satisfy the thermostat.
Increased runtime and subdued results will both lead to higher electricity bills. Call in a reputable air conditioning service professional, to look into it and ensure that the duct is appropriately sealed.
Failing Parts
Failing mechanical and electrical components in your air conditioning system, such as the capacitor, compressor, or the motor will also cause a spike in the electricity bills. As a mechanical component develops a flaw due to wear and tear or for any other reason, it will cause a reduction in output that the AC can produce. As a result, the system as a whole will be less efficient. For example, if the motor of your condenser is failing, it will not be as good at removing heat as it used to be. It will struggle to meet the thermostat’s requirements and run for longer periods in doing so.
Not only will this shoot up your electricity bills, but it will also take a considerable toll on your system and its longevity. Call in a reputable air conditioning service promptly so it can be fixed before it causes further damage.
Low Refrigerant
Both heat pumps and air conditioners use refrigerants to transport heat to and from the house. An AC that is low on refrigerant will find it difficult to remove the heat efficiently. As a result, you’ll see a spike in your bills as the system will be working overtime to meet the temperature on the thermostat.
It is usually a leak that is the culprit behind low refrigerant. It can take place anywhere along the complex system of line sets and coils. You will need to call in a reputable air conditioning service professional to detect the leak and then fix it.
Old System
When an air conditioner has lived past its days, it tends to become inefficient, and you’ll have higher than usual electricity bills. Years of wear and tear takes a toll on the system and its efficiency. This is made worse if the system has not been well-maintained through all these years. Most air conditioners usually have a life of 10 years. If it has been over 10 years since you bought the machine, it is about time that you replace it. However, do consult a reputable air conditioning service professional before you make that decision.
Bad Installation
Bad installation could often be a reason why your electricity bills are higher than they should be. It is often the case when, for example, a contractor has over-sized the unit, which causes it to short cycle – turn on and off rapidly. Electricity bills will be high in such a scenario as the startup consumes the most electricity, and frequent startups mean higher bills.
Other issues could include bad electrical connections, missing parts, poor welding, and brazing or duct connections not properly sealed. Call in a reputable air conditioning service professional in the Fort Worth, TX area, to fix it as soon as possible as it can also lead to system breakdowns.
Call One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating
There will come a time when even the best of machines will give way to years of wear and tear,at which point, you will need to replace it.However, for anything short of that,call in an air conditioning serviceprofessional in Fort Worth, TX to take care of it. One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating has employed the best air conditioning service professionals in the Fort Worth, TX area. Our extensive experience in this line of work and our top-notch 24/7 emergency services are testimony to that. Acquire our impeccable services for everything related to heating and air conditioning.