Why Are Cooling Costs Higher Than Usual?
An inefficient air conditioner can make living spaces stuffy and increase energy costs. Many households encounter these cooling setbacks without realizing that AC maintenance solutions are often straightforward. The following guide highlights the most common causes behind poor performance, offering clear direction to restore comfort and reduce monthly expenses. By understanding these key issues, control over indoor climate can be restored quickly and affordably. Let’s pinpoint what might be holding back an AC system.
Dirty Air Filter or Lack of Maintenance
Clogged air filters are among the leading reasons an inefficient air conditioner struggles to cool effectively. When an air filter or AC filter becomes packed with dust, pet hair, and debris, airflow drops, and the equipment works harder to move air through the restriction.
That extra workload translates into higher energy use and elevated bills. Replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can cut energy consumption by 5% to 15%. Regular air filter replacement, performed every 30–90 days, helps maintain optimal airflow and supports overall HVAC efficiency.
Skipping annual air conditioner maintenance or routine AC maintenance compounds these issues. Professional tune-ups typically clean evaporator coils, check for a refrigerant leak, verify charge, and calibrate controls—all essential for peak performance. Without this preventive care, cooling capacity gradually declines, whereas well-maintained systems can operate near original efficiency for years.
Dirty Coils or Low Refrigerant
Dirty coils or low refrigerant levels quietly undermine performance, forcing longer run times while delivering less cooling. Refrigerant serves as the heat-transfer medium, absorbing heat indoors and releasing it outside.
When evaporator coils accumulate dust and debris, their ability to absorb heat decreases. Likewise, condenser coils coated in grime cannot reject heat efficiently to the outdoors. A refrigerant leak introduces a different challenge—systems may run continuously yet fail to reach set temperatures, wasting significant energy in the process.
These conditions often amplify one another, creating a cascade of inefficiency that can raise cooling costs. Thorough service typically includes locating and addressing any refrigerant leak with specialized detection tools, making repairs, and recharging to specification. Deep cleaning of both coil sets with professional solutions restores heat transfer, improving efficiency and trimming monthly expenses.
Ductwork Problems
Hidden issues within ductwork can drain cooling performance faster than many realize. Leaky air ducts push conditioned air into attics, crawlspaces, or wall cavities instead of occupied rooms, forcing longer cycles to meet thermostat settings. Obstructions from dust buildup, debris, or damaged insulation create similar restrictions that choke airflow across the system.
Compromised ductwork can significantly increase energy costs, with leaks near the air handler proving especially wasteful. Professional inspection and sealing of ductwork, combined with targeted cleaning of air ducts, restore proper airflow and reduce losses.
Specialized diagnostic equipment identifies hidden leaks and blockages that standard filters cannot address. With expert repairs and ongoing air conditioner maintenance, an underperforming system can return to cost-effective operation, delivering consistent comfort while minimizing energy waste.
About Lambert Plumbing & Heating, LTD
Lambert Plumbing & Heating, LTD is a family-owned plumbing company proudly serving Vancouver, BC, and the neighboring communities. With over four decades of experience and clean, respectful, expertly trained technicians, customer satisfaction is guaranteed. Call them today for air conditioner maintenance in Vancouver, BC.
