Affordable AC Repair Solutions You Can Count On

Summertime electric bills can be brutal in South Texas. Is it imagination or is the electric bill higher than normal? Is there anything to be done to reduce that bill? Let’s look at some relevant details.

The percentage of the average electrical bill in the U.S. is 15% to 19%, but everything is bigger in Texas! The percentage of the electric bill attributed to air conditioning is between 50% and 70%. There are several significant factors that contribute to high bills.

• The rise in the cost of fossil fuels directly impacts the cost of generating electricity, so rising fuel prices will affect the residential electricity bill.
• Power companies often have a tiered price for electricity: the hottest time of the day creates a peak in energy consumption, directly related to air conditioning. The principle of supply and demand adds value to peak use energy; electricity costs more during peak use periods.
• It is summer. The temperature and humidity are both high. The number of cooling cycles per day has increased to keep us comfortable and healthy during extreme temperatures.

AC Repair Services to Keep Your Home Cool All Summer

Beyond the price of electricity, home factors also contribute to a higher electricity bill.

• A well-insulated and sealed home will hold cooling inside and save energy, while a poorly insulated home will let the heat inside and the cool leak outside. Check the attic insulation and window caulking during the fall.
• Ductwork carries conditioned air from the air conditioner to the home and returns air to the air conditioner unit. If the ductwork has been damaged or developed a leak, the damage allows conditioned air to escape to the attic between walls. During the cooler season inspect the attic for damaged ductwork. If a wall is exceptionally cool during the summer and/or exceptionally warm during the winter, it may indicate a damaged duct inside the wall.
• Air conditioning systems lose about 5% of their original efficiency every year. They are designed to last approximately 15 to 20 years. Older air conditioners cost more to run and this may contribute to a higher-than-normal summertime electricity bill.
• A poorly maintained system will also contribute to higher energy bills. Often the problems are small and solvable: a dirty, clogged air filter or a dirty condenser unit (which is easily cleaned). Sometimes the problem is still very minor: a sensor or capacitor failure. The best approach is to schedule regular preventive maintenance with your HVAC and change the air filter at least quarterly.

Why Quality AC Repair Extends the Lifespan of Your Cooling System

There are a few other strategies that families can use to lower air conditioning costs. However, they do take intentional actions and a dedication to the tasks.

• Keep south-facing windows and doors covered with drapes or blinds during the heat of the day.
• Plan the use of heat-producing devices used for cooking. Cook outdoors. Use an air fryer, or pressure cooker, Schedule cooking for one day of the week and save the meals for multiple days.
• Use the same pattern for heat-producing cleaning devices. Run the dishwasher and dryer during off-peak hours, in the late evening hours.
• Run the exhaust fan during showers to push high humidity to the outdoors.
• Program the thermostat for family use. If the family is gone during the day (peak-use hours), program the thermostat to raise the temperature while the home is vacant.
• Program the thermostat for a temperature that is as warm as comfortable for your family. Keep the thermostat programmed and resist the temptation to lower the temperature spontaneously.
• Use ceiling fans turning counterclockwise. This pushes air downward. It doesn’t change the temperature, but it cools the skin.

These are small, practical steps to reduce the cost of cooling and keep the family more comfortable.

Restore Your Cool Comfort with Reliable AC Repair

Don’t let a malfunctioning air conditioner disrupt your home’s comfort or ruin your peace of mind. When you need fast, dependable AC repair, the experienced AC repair technicians at Northwind AC are ready to restore your system to peak efficiency. Call Northwind Air Conditioning and Heating at 713-683-9474  today to schedule your AC repair appointment and get your home cool and comfortable again!