California homeowners may face unexpected energy cost spikes, which can quickly strain a household budget. Even with regular monitoring, several factors can cause your energy bills to rise suddenly. Understanding these reasons can help you manage your energy usage more effectively and keep costs under control without compromising comfort. Here are four common causes of unexpected energy cost increases in your home.
1. Dirty Air Filters
HVAC air filters prevent dirt and debris from entering your heating or cooling system and causing damage to their internal components. They also play an important role in maintaining your indoor air quality by capturing airborne contaminants that would otherwise recirculate into your living spaces. However, they block proper airflow through your air conditioner or heater when they become clogged. This lack of airflow will cause your system to struggle to heat or cool your home, resulting in higher energy costs.
Most experts recommend changing your HVAC filter at least once a month. However, you may need to change yours more often based on things like how many people live in your household and if you have pets. Many homeowners inspect their air filters once a month to ensure they know when they need to be changed out.
2. Leaky Air Ducts
Leaky air ducts are a common culprit behind significant energy spikes in California homes. When ductwork develops leaks or gaps, the treated air meant to circulate through your home escapes, often being replaced by untreated air from crawlspaces or attics. According to the Department of Energy, homeowners can lose up to 20% of their heating or cooling through faulty ducts each year. This loss forces your HVAC system to work harder to maintain the temperature you set on your thermostat, causing your air conditioner and heater to cycle on more frequently. The result is increased energy consumption and higher energy costs, especially during extreme weather conditions like heat waves or cold spells.
To address this issue, professionals use various methods to identify and fix leaks in your ductwork. They may start by conducting a thorough inspection using specialized equipment, such as smoke pencils or thermal imaging cameras, to pinpoint the exact locations of leaks. Once identified, these leaks can be sealed using mastic sealant, metal tape, or aerosol-based sealants. In cases where the ducts are severely damaged, a professional may recommend replacing sections of the ductwork to ensure optimal efficiency. By addressing these leaks, you can prevent your HVAC system from overworking and keep your energy bills in check.
3. Improperly Sized HVAC System
In order to get the most out of your HVAC system, it needs to be an appropriate size for your home. Factors such as your home’s square footage, local climate, insulation levels and number of windows and doors should be carefully considered when deciding which HVAC system to install. If your HVAC size is too large, you can run into an issue known as short cycling. Your HVAC will quickly heat or cool your home. However, it will not run long enough to distribute conditioned air evenly through your living spaces. This can lead to your HVAC turning on and off frequently in short bursts, which will cause a spike in your energy costs.
If your HVAC system is undersized, you will find that it runs constantly in an effort to heat or cool your home to the right temperature. When this scenario occurs, not only will your HVAC system have a difficult time reaching and maintaining the right temperature, but it will also lead to higher energy bills as the system will be running nonstop.
4. Faulty Components
Your HVAC system has many components that must work together to ensure your system operates efficiently. If any of these components become worn or broken, it can impact the rest of your HVAC system and lead to higher energy bills. Getting a professional HVAC contractor like JW Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning to regularly inspect your HVAC system will help ensure that parts like motors and fan belts work as intended. Our team has years of experience working with various makes and models of HVAC systems and knows what to look for in order to ensure that your system does not use more energy than it should.
Contact the HVAC Experts
At JW Mitchell Heating & Air Conditioning, we have served the residents of Costa Mesa, CA and the surrounding areas for years. We install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. Additionally, we can help with all of your indoor air quality needs, including installing whole-home air purification systems. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced team members.
