Heating and cooling are usually the biggest energy users in a home. When a bill jumps and nothing else has changed, the system is a good place to look.
Rule out the obvious first
- The weather. Compare with the same month last year, not last month. A cold snap or a heat wave shows up on the bill.
- Rates. Utility rates change, and some plans cost more at certain hours.
- Thermostat settings. Someone may have changed a schedule, or left it on "hold." See settings that save energy.
Problems that waste energy quietly
- A clogged filter makes the system run longer for the same comfort.
- Dirty coils, indoors or out, cut efficiency, especially on outdoor units near the coast or under trees.
- Leaky ducts lose heated or cooled air into the attic. See signs your ducts are leaking.
- Low refrigerant from a leak makes an air conditioner or heat pump run longer and cool less.
- Short cycling, starting and stopping constantly. See why a system short-cycles.
- An old system. Efficiency standards have risen a lot. See what SEER2 and AFUE mean.
What helps
A tune-up cleans coils, checks refrigerant and airflow, and catches problems that waste energy before they become breakdowns. Our maintenance plan reminds you when it's due. If your system is old and your bills keep climbing, we'll give you a free quote on new equipment. Call us at 805-965-6326.
Related
More tips on costs & permits, heating, cooling.