4 Reasons Why Your Home’s Energy Bills Are So High

Astronomical energy bills are a typical problem for homeowners throughout Texas, but they don’t have to be a way of life. In fact, most homes’ energy waste problems come from the same few sources and are tied directly to heating and cooling issues.

Below, we’ll explain four of the most common causes behind high energy bills.

1. Aging HVAC Equipment

If your home’s energy bills are through the roof, one of the most likely culprits is your heating and cooling system. Why? Because it’s the most power-hungry system in your home. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that more than half of the average home’s energy consumption goes toward heating and air conditioning.

If your system is 10 years or older, there’s a good chance that it’s using a significant amount of energy. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, you could save 20% to 40% by replacing an AC that’s 10 years old with a newer, more energy-efficient unit.

2. Lack of HVAC Maintenance

Buying a new HVAC system is never cheap. Therefore, it’s important to provide it with routine maintenance so that the system will perform as efficiently as possible for as long as possible. Without regular tune-ups, you are ensuring a decline in your system’s performance and an increase in its energy usage over time.

3. Inadequate Insulation

Insulation is a critical component of your home’s comfort because it keeps heat from moving where you don’t want it to go. By its nature, heat will always move to where there’s less heat. Insulation blocks heat from moving into your cool home during summer, and it prevents heat from escaping your cozy home during winter.

If you’re experiencing high energy bills, it’s possible that your home’s insulation may have settled, or your home may not have the right type or amount of insulation in key locations to keep heat from moving. This can make it necessary for your HVAC system to run more frequently, using more energy.

4. Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows

If your home’s windows and doors are not properly sealed, this could result in temperature control issues that cause your heater and AC to run more often. Those tiny gaps allow heat into your home during the warmer months of the year, and during winter, icy drafts can also sneak in through those same gaps.



OptiHome Solutions in Arlington, TX

Sick of being slammed by enormous energy bills month after month? At Tom's Mechanical, Inc., we’re proud to offer OptiHome Performance Evaluations, designed to help you pinpoint the significant sources of energy waste in your home and identify long term solutions for energy savings. Schedule your appointment by giving us a call at (972) 388-3669 or contacting us online.