7 Reasons Why Operating an AC Unit Costs More Than It Should

As the weather gets warmer, many of us will be cranking up our air conditioners to stay cool. However, if your air conditioner is old or inefficient, it could be costing you a lot more to operate than it should. In this guide, we focus on the many reasons why your air conditioning unit is costing you more to operate than it should.

Why Your Air Conditioning Is Costing You More to Operate

As the weather gets hotter, many of us are cranking up the AC to stay cool. However, air conditioning can be a major contributor to your energy bill. In fact, according to the US Energy Information Administration, air conditioning accounts for about 6% of the average home’s energy use.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to your AC unit costing more to operate. Here are a few of the most common:

1. Dirty Air Filters

One of the most common reasons why AC units cost more to operate is because of dirty air filters. When the air filter is clogged, it restricts airflow and makes the unit work harder to cool your home. This not only drives up energy costs but can also shorten the lifespan of your AC unit.

2. Age of the AC Unit

As your AC unit gets older, it will become less efficient and will require more energy to cool your home. This is due to the unit’s compressor and other components wearing down over time. If your unit is more than ten years old, it might be time to consider replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient model.

3. Thermostat Settings

The temperature you set your thermostat to will also affect how much your AC unit costs to operate. The lower the temperature, the harder your unit has to work – and the more it will cost to operate.

4. Leaks or Poor Insulation

If your home has leaks or poor insulation, cool air can escape, making your AC unit work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This can waste energy and increase costs.

5. Poorly Maintained AC Unit

Like any other type of mechanical equipment, AC units need to be properly maintained in order to operate efficiently. If your unit is not serviced on a regular basis, it can become less efficient and cost more to operate.

6. Low Refrigerant

If your AC unit is not cooling as well as it used to, it may have a refrigerant leak. When this happens, your unit will not be able to function properly, wasting energy and costing you more money.

7. Leaky or Dirty Ducts

Leaky or dirty ducts can cause your AC unit to work harder to cool your home, leading to higher energy bills. Ducts can become leaky over time, so it’s vital to have them inspected regularly to make sure they are in good condition.

Conclusion

It’s important to be mindful of the fact that your air conditioner can actually end up costing you more money to operate if you’re not careful. There are a few things that you can do to help offset this cost, such as making sure that your AC unit is appropriately sized for your home, using a programmable thermostat, and having your unit serviced regularly. By following these tips, you can help to keep your cooling costs under control.

When it comes to maintaining your heating and air conditioning units, you’re going to need help from a reliable professional. Legacy Heating and Cooling offer the most comprehensive and cost-effective HVAC solutions for our clients in Edmonton and Calgary. From furnace installation to HVAC repair and maintenance, our team of expert technicians is skilled enough to provide fast and reliable services. Reach out to us today to get a free quote!