Why Your Electric Bill Is So High This Summer

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 13:35:48 GMT

And How Your AC Could Be the Reason

As temperatures climb during the summer months, it's normal to see your electric bill increase. However, if your bill has skyrocketed compared to previous years, your air conditioning system could be working much harder than it should.

At Accutech Heating & Air, we often help homeowners discover that simple maintenance issues—or aging equipment—are causing their AC to use far more energy than necessary. Here are some of the most common reasons your cooling costs may be higher than expected.

1. Dirty Air Filters Restrict Airflow

Your air filter is one of the most important—and most overlooked—parts of your HVAC system. As it collects dust, pollen, pet hair, and other debris, it becomes clogged and restricts airflow.

When airflow is reduced, your air conditioner has to run longer to cool your home, using more electricity in the process. Restricted airflow can also cause your evaporator coil to freeze, leading to additional performance issues and costly repairs.

What you can do:

Check your filter every month during the summer.
Replace standard filters every 1–3 months, depending on use and your home's environment.
If your system uses a media filter, follow the manufacturer's recommended replacement schedule.

2. Dirty Outdoor Condenser Coils Make Your AC Work Harder

Your outdoor unit is responsible for releasing the heat removed from your home. Over time, grass clippings, leaves, dirt, cottonwood, and other debris can build up on the condenser coils.

When these coils are dirty, your system can't release heat efficiently. As a result, the compressor has to work longer and harder, consuming more energy and increasing wear on the equipment.

Signs your outdoor unit may need cleaning include:

Higher-than-normal electric bills
Reduced cooling performance
Longer cooling cycles
An outdoor unit covered in dirt or debris

Keeping the area around your outdoor unit clear and scheduling professional maintenance can help restore efficiency.

3. Low Refrigerant Reduces Cooling Efficiency

Refrigerant is the substance that absorbs heat from inside your home and transfers it outdoors. If your system develops a leak, refrigerant levels drop, making it much harder to cool your home.

An air conditioner with low refrigerant often runs continuously while struggling to reach the thermostat setting. This not only increases your energy bill but can also damage the compressor if left untreated.

Common signs of low refrigerant include:

Warm air coming from vents
Ice forming on the indoor coil or refrigerant lines
Hissing or bubbling sounds
Longer cooling cycles
Poor humidity control

If you suspect a refrigerant leak, it's important to have it repaired by a licensed HVAC technician rather than simply adding more refrigerant.

4. Your Air Conditioner May Be Nearing the End of Its Life

Even a well-maintained air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Components wear out, technology improves, and older systems simply require more electricity to produce the same amount of cooling.

If your air conditioner is 10–15 years old or older, it may be costing you significantly more to operate than a newer, high-efficiency system.

Some signs your system may be nearing replacement include:

Frequent repairs
Increasing utility bills
Uneven temperatures throughout the home
Constant operation during hot weather
Difficulty keeping your home comfortable

While repairs may still make sense in some situations, replacing an aging system can often reduce monthly energy costs and improve comfort.

5. Your Thermostat Settings Can Affect Energy Costs

Your thermostat plays a major role in how much electricity your air conditioner uses.

Setting the thermostat extremely low doesn't cool your home faster—it simply keeps the system running longer.

For most homes, a setting around 76–78°F when you're home provides a good balance between comfort and energy savings. Raising the temperature a few degrees while you're away can also help reduce your monthly bill.

If you don't already have one, a programmable or smart thermostat can automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule.

6. Lack of Preventative Maintenance Can Cost You Money

Just like your vehicle needs regular oil changes, your air conditioning system needs routine maintenance to operate efficiently.

During a professional tune-up, a technician can:

Clean critical components
Check refrigerant levels
Inspect electrical connections
Measure system performance
Test safety controls
Replace or inspect filters
Identify worn parts before they fail

Routine maintenance helps your system run more efficiently, reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns, and can extend the life of your equipment.

Don't Let High Energy Bills Catch You Off Guard

If you've noticed your electric bill climbing higher than usual, your air conditioner may be trying to tell you something. Addressing small issues early can improve efficiency, lower operating costs, and help prevent expensive repairs during the hottest part of the summer.

At Accutech Heating & Air, our experienced technicians can inspect your system, identify what's causing it to work harder than necessary, and recommend the best solution to keep your home comfortable and your energy costs under control.

Contact Accutech Heating & Air today to schedule your AC inspection or preventative maintenance service and stay cool all summer long.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Old AC

websites@hibu.com (Hibu Websites) — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 20:51:12 GMT

Your AC unit has been in your home for years. It might even be the original AC that came with your house when you bought it. You may have spent some money on repairs over the years, but now it seems like nothing is working anymore, and your AC isn't cooling your home. If this sounds like you, then it's probably time to replace that old AC unit with a new one.

In this article, we'll discuss the signs of an old AC unit so you can know when it's time to call an air conditioning contractor.

Your Air Conditioner Is More Than 10 Years Old

If your AC unit is more than ten years old, then it might be time to consider replacing it. Even if the AC seems to work okay, a newer AC could save you money on energy costs and may provide better air quality in your home.

It can be difficult to know how old your AC unit is. If you didn't buy it new, check the serial number on a sticker or inside a panel for more information about when it was manufactured.

The Air Coming Out of Your Unit Smells Musty

If the air coming out of your AC smells musty or doesn't feel as cold, this could be an indication that it's time for a new AC unit. This is because mold and mildew may grow in vents if there are leaks, which can cause bad odors to come from the AC unit and make things seem warmer than they actually are.

Your Unit Keeps Breaking Down

Just like with any other machine, AC units break down from time to time. If your AC unit is breaking down more than usual or it keeps turning off on its own without warning, then these are signs that you may need a new ac.

Your Air Conditioner Is Noisy

AC units are supposed to make noise; after all, they're working hard and need to run 24 hours a day! That said if your AC has developed an unusual rattling sound (or even squeaks!), then it may be time to call an AC contractor.

Your Home Isn't Cool Enough in the Summer

One of the most common signs that you need a new AC is if your home isn't cool enough during the summer months. If this sounds like something you're experiencing, we recommend getting estimates from AC installation services before deciding which one will best suit your needs and budget.

Your Energy Bills Are Going Higher

If your AC unit is operating inefficiently, it will cause your energy bills to go up. If this happens, you should get a new AC because the old one has probably lost its efficiency over time and is no longer doing the job compared to a newer model, which would be more efficient and cost-effective for you.

You're Facing Expensive Repairs

If your current AC is breaking down and costing you more money in repairs, it might be time to consider replacing your old unit. After a few years of service, the refrigerant or other parts may wear out, which can later lead to expensive repair bills.

When There Is Uneven Cooling

If your AC unit is not keeping the air cool evenly throughout the house, you need AC installation services. Uneven cooling could happen if there are leaks in pipes or ducts, which allows hot and cold air to escape at different levels of strength.

Get Reliable AC Installation Services

If you are experiencing some or all of these problems, we recommend replacing your old AC with a new one. To get an estimate on how much a replacement cost for your AC could be, contact our reliable AC installation services team today, and we'll send someone over right away to help you find the best solution for your needs!

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