Even though fall is just around the corner, it’s still cooling season here in Marin, Contra Costa, and Alameda counties. If you’ve noticed an increase in your energy bills this summer—especially without an increase in your usage or rates—there’s a good chance that your cooling system’s efficiency is a factor.
At Hassler, we want your home to stay comfortable all throughout the year, without the need to sacrifice your comfort. Our team can help you get to the bottom of your high energy bills with our comprehensive cooling and home performance services!
Common AC Problems That Increase Your Energy Bills
There are several ways that your air conditioner or heat pump can be contributing to your high cooling bills.
Clogged Air Filters
Your HVAC air filters are designed to capture dust and other debris and remove them from your indoor air. If they aren’t changed regularly—like every 30-60 days—that debris will accumulate, causing unnecessary wear and tear on your system and an increase in your cooling bills.
Leaky Ductwork
According to ENERGY STAR, 20-30% of the air that moves through your duct system is lost due to leaks, holes, or poor connections. This can result in poor performance from your air conditioner, high energy bills year-round, and even poor indoor air quality. If your home has ductwork and your energy bills are high, give our team a call for duct repair.
Increased Humidity
Your air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils play a crucial role in removing heat and humidity from your home. If they are dirty, they won’t be able to perform this function properly, leading to high humidity levels, increased energy bills, and eventually frozen coils or breakdowns. With a thorough cleaning during a tune-up, the Hassler team can ensure each component of your AC is clean and working efficiently.
Refrigerant Leaks
If your home is more humid than normal and you’ve also noticed that your cooling system turns off and on more frequently, there could be a leak in your refrigerant line. It’s important to get the problem solved as soon as possible with air conditioning repair, because a refrigerant leak can cause damage to your system and even impact your indoor air quality.
Lack of Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is the single most important thing you can do to keep your HVAC system running efficiently for years to come. Not only will a tune up help lower your energy bills, but our team will be able to find and solve small issues before they become bigger problems that are costly to fix.
Hassler makes HVAC maintenance a breeze with our VIP Club Memberships! Get peace of mind with annual tune ups, discounts on repairs, priority scheduling, and more!
When to Repair or Replace Your AC
When your cooling system is having consistent problems, it can be hard to decide if you should repair or replace it. While an in-depth inspection of your system by our professional team is the best way to know for sure, here are some signs that it could be time for an air conditioner replacement:
Your AC is over 10 years old - HVAC systems can last up to 15-20 years, but they get less efficient as they age. If you’re having problems with your air conditioner that’s more than a decade old, it might be time to replace it.
Consistent issues - If you’re constantly struggling to stay comfortable in your home due to a poorly functioning AC, getting a newer, more effective system can help save you the headache of constant maintenance.
Costly repairs - Generally speaking, if the cost to repair your AC is more than half of the cost of a replacement, it’s a good decision to go for a new system.
Find Cooling Solutions with Hassler!
Regardless of what’s going on with your cooling system, our team is here for you. In the case that you do need a replacement AC, we can even help you find and qualify for several rebates and incentives to make it more affordable. Don’t put up with inconsistent temperatures in your home any longer—experience the Hassler Difference!
