Have you been going over your summer expenses lately, only to find a shockingly high electric bill for no apparent reason? It’s a frustrating issue and one that’s surprisingly common across the Sacramento area. So, why is your electric bill so high in the summer? In this guide, we’ll explore 10 potential reasons behind this problem, examine common HVAC issues and other home inefficiencies that lead to higher energy bills, and cover solutions to help you save.
1. Your Air Conditioner Is Running Longer Than It Should
One common cause of high summer energy bills is, unsurprisingly, related to your air conditioner. Although AC efficiency has come a long way, these systems still operate against the laws of thermodynamics, which means even a minor problem with the unit can result in high electric bills.
One common issue is when your AC runs longer than it should, also known as “long cycling.” This can happen due to improper AC sizing, low refrigerant levels, poor airflow, or issues with your home’s insulation and air sealing. To improve HVAC energy efficiency, you’ll need to address these issues at their source, such as through AC repairs, home improvements, or, in some cases, a new air conditioner.
2. Dirty Air Filters Are Restricting Airflow
Naturally, your air conditioner needs air to work. If the unit’s air intake is restricted by clogged or dirty air filters, the system has to work harder, leading to rising electricity bills in summer and reduced cooling performance. Fortunately, this issue is easily resolved through routine AC maintenance and regular air filter changes every 30 to 60 days.
3. Leaky Ductwork Is Wasting Cooled Air
One of the most common causes of high electric bills isn’t to do with the air conditioner itself but with the ductwork that supplies cooled air throughout the home. Depending on your home’s size and the ductwork setup, you could be losing significant energy through leaks, forcing the AC to run harder and longer and resulting in higher energy bills. Addressing this issue will require ductwork repairs or replacement, which will help reduce summer energy bills.
4. Your HVAC System Is Aging or Inefficient
Another potential reason for a high energy bill in Sacramento is if your air conditioner is nearing the end of its lifespan. These systems generally last for 10 to 15 years, at which point they typically become too inefficient to justify keeping. If your system is nearing this point, the only way to get your utility bills under control will be to invest in a new, efficient unit.
5. Poor Attic Insulation Is Letting Heat In
Poor attic insulation could be another reason why your energy bill is so high. Your roof is exposed to lots of thermal energy from the Sacramento sun in summertime, and if the insulation isn’t performing properly, all of this heat can end up in your home, warming up the entire space and forcing your AC to work harder. This means the key to Sacramento HVAC efficiency may lie more in your home’s insulation than in the HVAC system itself.
6. Your Thermostat Settings Are Costing You Money
If your HVAC system is in good condition and your insulation is up to par, the next place to look for inefficiencies is your thermostat. Many people think that setting your thermostat to a very low temperature cools your home faster, but it actually costs you more on your energy bills and puts a heavy strain on your air conditioner. For the best results, set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re at home and increase the temperature by 7 to 10°F when you’re away.
7. Old Appliances and Electronics Are Drawing Excess Power
Some energy efficiency issues aren’t caused by HVAC systems at all but by other devices plugged in around the house. If you’re using old, inefficient appliances and electronics, they’re likely using far more energy than needed. This may not be an issue with a single old device, but if you have multiple outdated systems in the home, it can lead to significant increases in your energy bills. Consider replacing as many of these outdated systems as possible to help reduce costs.
8. Phantom Energy Usage Is Adding Up
Did you know that appliances plugged into your electrical system are drawing power, whether they’re switched on or not? This is known as “phantom energy” or “vampire draw” and can make a bigger impact on your energy bills than you may realize. To help reduce energy costs, consider unplugging smart TVs, gaming consoles, appliances with digital displays, and device chargers when not in use.
9. Electrical Problems Could Be Increasing Energy Consumption
One potential cause of high energy bills is faults in your electrical system. Faulty wiring, loose connections, or electrical overloads can cause a range of issues in the home, from dangerous electrical fires to inflated energy bills.
10. Deferred HVAC or Electrical Maintenance Is Hurting Efficiency
Over time, neglecting to maintain your HVAC and electrical systems can hurt your home’s overall energy efficiency. This can cause electrical panel problems or total HVAC failure over time, resulting in even higher repair and replacement costs.
How Sacramento Homeowners Can Lower Summer Energy Bills
As you can see, there are many potential causes of increased electrical bills during a Sacramento summer. While your air conditioner is the most likely culprit, that doesn’t mean you should switch off the system and spend every warm day on Folsom Lake (as nice as that sounds). Instead, here are a few key ways to keep energy bills to a minimum:
- Keep up with annual, professional AC maintenance.
- Change air filters on your AC regularly.
- Have ductwork periodically inspected and maintained as necessary.
- Replace HVAC systems nearing the end of their lifespan (financing can help make this more affordable).
- Have a certified professional assess your home’s attic insulation to ensure it’s not causing energy loss.
- Double-check thermostat settings for optimal HVAC efficiency.
- Consider replacing outdated appliances and devices with disproportionately high power draws.
- Unplug high-demand devices when not in use.
- Get help from a professional.
When to Call a Professional Electrician
If the above steps haven’t made a big difference in reducing your energy bill, it’s time to work with a professional to get to the bottom of the issue. At Huft Home Services, we help countless homeowners in our Sacramento service area get sky-high summer energy bills back under control by offering a variety of services that ensure your home uses only what it needs. And with affordable financing, special offers and discounts, and comprehensive protection plans that make electrical maintenance simple, you can rest assured that our work will continue to support your home (and reduce your energy bills) for years to come.
How Huft Home Services Helps You Keep Energy Costs Down
When you work with our team for help with your home’s energy efficiency, you can count on us to provide a thorough, in-depth assessment of every aspect of the system. From your air conditioner to your air fryer, there are countless opportunities to save on energy costs throughout the home, and the electrical experts at Huft Home Services are here to help you find them. To learn more or to schedule a home service appointment today, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
