When you notice a sudden increase in your utility bills or your home is not as cozy as it should be, there could be a problem with your heating and air conditioning units. After all, they account for about half of your overall energy consumption. Several factors can cause them to become inefficient. Some of these are evident, while others require scrutiny.
Heating and Air Conditioning: What Causes Poor Energy Efficiency?
Faulty heating and air conditioning systems not only compromise your home’s comfort and energy efficiency but can also affect your health. That is why when you notice any of these problems, always seek the help of an expert.
- Improper Size. A unit that is too small for your home will work harder to regulate the proper indoor temperature. Conversely, a unit that’s too big will cycle on and off many times, which wastes energy. When investing in an HVAC system, have a professional to measure your home’s energy loss rate to identify the right size for your needs.
- Outdated Unit. According to the Department of Energy, the service life of an HVAC system is about 15 to 20 years when properly maintained. Most older units, however, operate efficiently for about 10 years. When they reach this age, they might be suffering from plenty of wear and tear, causing them to work inefficiently. If your HVAC system is nearing the end of its life span (or beyond it), ask your HVAC contractor the best course of action to prevent serious issues in the future.
- Dirty Air Filters. Changing the air filters once a month is key to ensuring peak performance on your HVAC system. When left unattended, however, dirty filters will keep air from circulating smoothly throughout the ducts. This can add unnecessary stress to your unit, resulting in higher energy consumption. Furthermore, mold, dust, bacteria, and other particles can spread through the air, which can trigger health problems.
- Leaky Ducts. Just like other components, your ducts will deteriorate over time. Because most of them are made from metal and flex, they can rust and brittle throughout the years, causing leaks. Furthermore, the caulking will eventually dry and crack. In some cases, a few pieces are not secured properly, which can become disjointed. That said, it’s important to keep your ducts properly sealed and insulated to limit energy loss.
MightyServ: Your Top Heating and Air Conditioning Service Provider
As your reliable heating and air conditioning expert, MightyServ can help you boost your home’s energy efficiency. We are one of the few contractors in the Greater Los Angeles area certified by ENERGY STAR®’s Home Performance Program. This means we can conduct home energy audits and performance evaluations. Apart from your HVAC system, we can also assess other parts of your home. This way, we can provide a solution that will improve overall ventilation and humidity control and reduce your utility costs.
Call us today at (818) 348-4768 or fill out our contact form for more information. We look forward to hearing from you.
