Why Your Energy Bills Spike During Florida Summers

Dealing with high energy bills for AC in Longwood, FL, is an unfortunately common headache. And the frustration only gets worse during the peak of July and August. The secret is understanding the reason behind the spikes to figure out how to keep costs under control.

What Causes Higher Energy Bills in Summer?

If your monthly costs are increasing faster than the outside temperatures, your air conditioner is likely struggling to keep up because of a few potential efficiency issues.

Dirty Air Filters

Air filters have a major impact on your AC’s performance. The caked-on dust, pet dander, and allergens coat the filter faster than you think. This means your HVAC works twice as hard to pull the cool air through the blockage, leading to increased power consumption and higher bills.

Aging or Outdated Systems

Even the most well-cared-for air conditioners lose their efficiency over time. This is even more true in Florida because the weather demands so much of an HVAC unit. If you have a unit that’s reaching (or more than) ten or twelve years old, you’d likely save money with one of the modern, high-SEER alternatives on the market.

Insulation Issues

You can’t properly cool your home if the cool air is actively leaking out and warm air is flooding in. Worn-out weatherstripping around doors or gaps around windows both create surprisingly large problems over time.

Not only will this wear out your system faster and lead to even higher bills down the line, but the cooled air is constantly escaping; you’re stuck in an endless cycle.

Lowering Your Summer Cooling Costs

The heat may be inevitable, but you don’t have to accept the outrageously high energy bills for AC in Longwood, FL, that accompany it. Here are a few simple changes you can make to lower the cost of properly cooling your home:

• Set your thermostat up higher when you’re home (even a few degrees)
• Make sure ceiling fans are rotating counterclockwise during the summer
• Change your filter monthly during the peak summer season
• Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day

Even doing one or two of these tips could drastically lower your bills and make your home more comfortable.

Lower High Energy Bills for AC in Longwood, FL

Enjoy your summer and hold onto your cash with a professional tune-up from Astoria Heating & Cooling. Reach out today to schedule an appointment with one of our HVAC technicians.