Why Is My Arlington Home’s Energy Bill Increasing?

A common woe among Arlington homeowners is unexpectedly receiving a monthly energy bill that’s bigger than they anticipated, which can be especially stressful if it’s more than you accounted for in your monthly budget. Your HVAC system is typically the biggest energy consumer in homes, especially during the summer months, making it a likely culprit.

Sometimes this cost spike is due to factors within your control, sometimes it’s not. What is reliably consistent is the air conditioner maintenance team at Tom’s Mechanical Inc. We will provide you with personalized service that will maximize your system’s energy efficiency with minimal costs.

Reasons for an Increased Energy Bill

Behavior Factors

An elevated energy bill isn’t always due to technical factors. A family member setting your thermostat at an exceedingly low temperature during hot days will significantly impact your monthly energy spending. This isn’t exclusive to HVAC usage either – leaving on lights or running many partial loads of laundry in your washing machine every week will add up, which is why it’s beneficial to carefully monitor your household’s energy usage. In many cases, there are behavioral changes members of your household can adopt to reduce electricity bills.

Seasonal Changes

Your energy bill will naturally be higher during the seasons that demand the most from it, like summer and winter. Your heating system or air conditioner will work hard to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature when it’s exceedingly hot or cold outside, leading to higher energy consumption. Moreover, seasonal changes in day length can also impact your energy bill – shorter days in winter mean longer nights, resulting in more light usage and increased energy costs. Longer days in summer result in your home absorbing more heat from the sun’s rays, drastically increasing cooling costs.

Increased Usage

If you’ve added new appliances or if your existing appliances or HVAC system has grown older and less energy efficient, it can increase your home’s energy usage and subsequently your electricity bill. Similarly, if your home has more occupants than last month or if you’re spending more time at home (i.e., if you’re working remotely), it could drastically alter your energy usage patterns and result in a higher bill total.

Rate Surges

Some homeowners enroll in variable rate plans, or their electricity provider uses a tiered pricing system that varies based on your usage. This can lead to electricity rate increases if you use your HVAC heavily during peak demand times. Energy companies may also raise their rates due to changes in electricity generation costs, which can tack a higher dollar amount on HVAC usage.

Energy Leaks

If your home isn’t properly insulated, it could create gaps that can allow your HVAC system’s heating or cooling output to seep outdoors, hampering its effectiveness and reducing your home’s overall energy efficiency. This will prevent your home from maintaining your desired indoor temperature. Your system will work overtime to try and correct this, which can result in your energy bill skyrocketing.

Insufficient Maintenance

Older HVAC systems can become a drain on your energy spending. Their decreased efficiency will lead to increased energy consumption, as it has to run longer and more often to output enough conditioned air to maintain the indoor temperature you set on your thermostat. Alternatively, a poorly maintained system can result in reduced energy efficiency. Clogged filters, dust-coated coils and dirty system components will hinder your system’s efficiency, causing it to consume more energy to maintain heating or cooling output.

Should You Replace Your HVAC Unit?

Whether your air conditioner, furnace or heat pump can be repaired or if it would be more cost-effective to replace it will depend on its condition, your energy efficiency goals and your comfort preferences.

An HVAC system typically lasts approximately 10 to 15 years with adequate maintenance and upkeep. If it’s close to the end of its lifespan, delaying replacement will only cost you more in the long run. Even if you don’t know your unit’s exact age, there are usually clear signs that will signal the need for replacement.

If your HVAC unit consistently fails to provide adequate heating or cooling despite professional inspections and repairs, resulting in uneven temperature distribution, elevated humidity levels indoors and poor energy efficiency, replacement is likely necessary.

At Tom’s Mechanical Inc., we’ll thoroughly inspect your HVAC system and give you an honest assessment with a free service quote, flexible pricing and customized solutions that prioritize your needs and preferences.

We would be happy to explain other alternative energy efficiency improvements if you’re not ready for HVAC replacement, like resealing your HVAC ductwork, upgrading your windows or fortifying your home’s insulation. 

We’ve Been Maintaining Arlington HVAC Units for Over 60 Years

At Tom’s Mechanical Inc., our HVAC maintenance technicians have decades of combined experience getting the job done right the first time. We will work hard to ensure you and your family are benefiting from a high-performance HVAC unit with unmatched energy efficiency in your home. Call (817) 277-4493 or send us a message to schedule a home visit and receive a free quote from a licensed professional.