5 Reasons Why Your Utility Bills Are Increasing
If your utility bill has been steadily increasing each year, you could be spending more than is necessary. You can’t change the increasing rates, but you can ensure your home’s major energy users are in peak condition.
In the following, we’ll look at common reasons for high utility bills—and solutions for bringing your cost down.
HVAC Maintenance
Routine maintenance is essential for maintaining your HVAC system’s performance. Maintenance is two-pronged, changing or cleaning the air filter each month and scheduling an AC tuneup with your technician. Just changing the filter on time reduces the AC’s use of energy by up to 15%. Maintenance also identifies issues such as a dirty coil. This is a periodic service typically, but once it occurs performance and efficiency suffer greatly.
Annual HVAC maintenance enables your HVAC technician to identify developing issues. This can prevent costly breakdowns and the potential for damage to your unit or home.
Safety
Your family’s safety is of utmost importance at Metro Express Service. The dangers of gas-burning furnaces are often noted, but electrical HVAC units also pose the risk of fire if not routinely inspected and serviced. With the heat of electricity comes the expansion and contraction of wires and contacts. This can result in risky loose connections and an increase in the electric bill. Your Metro Express Service technician will always inspect the wires and connections of your electric unit, and the ignition chamber of gas units during a maintenance call.
Aging HVAC Equipment
Eventually, wear and tear on your home’s heater and air conditioner will take its toll. On average, you can expect your air conditioner to last 10 to 15 years, and a heat pump about 16 to 20 years. These numbers will vary with the amount of use and how well the unit is maintained. Once your unit is 10 years old or older, newer units will be more energy efficient. Aging and worn units will begin to use more energy than they used to. Routine maintenance will extend the service life of your unit, and promote energy efficiency. As with all things mechanical, a replacement will eventually be required.
Leaking HVAC Duct work
Air duct leaks can account for the loss of up to 30% of the conditioned air moving through them. Causes include poor initial installation, gaps, damage and failing seals. If you’re experiencing weak airflow, it’s worthwhile to have a professional HVAC professional to inspect the duct system. When required your technician can provide sealing, repair, or replacement if required.
Plumbing Leaks
Plumbing leaks can drive up your water bill and electricity or gas when the leak involved is on the hot water side.
Even a slightly dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water over a year. Hidden leaks are often only discovered after a large water bill comes in, or damage occurs to your home. Hot water leaks may be suspected with an elevated electric or gas bill. Hidden leaks can occur beneath a concrete slab, behind walls, under a floor or in the water line running from your water meter to your home.
An easy way to check for most water leaks is to use your water meter.
- Write down or take a clear picture of the meter reading.
- Don’t use any water for two hours. Ensure automatic water appliances are shut off, such as the ice maker, and the sprinkler system. Be sure to inform family members, or choose a time when you’re alone.
- After two hours, check the water meter again. If the reading has changed, there is a leak. Small leaks may not register, but a change in the reading is a definite sign of a water leak.
Hot Water Heater Issues
In many parts of the U.S., minerals in the water cause build-up in the water heater. Sediment can become quite deep in the bottom, and may encase the heating element of an electric water heater. At that point, the element has to first heat the encrusted element, before heating the water. This leads to a higher energy bill. It’s recommended to flush your water heater once per year, or you can contact a plumber to provide it for you.
If you’re experiencing high energy bills related to your heating and air conditioning system, contact Metro Express Service. Our professionals will identify the problem, and provide the HVAC services you need. You can rely on us for superior services. We are a member of the BBB.
