Why Is My Electric Bill So High?
There are many residents of Denham Springs, LA who have the burning question – why is the electric bill getting heftier every other month? Considering that Louisiana is accompanied by scorching summers and unpredictable winters, energy consumption expands rapidly. But then again, electric bills are not dictated by climate only, but also the efficiency of your insulation, your doors, and the performance of HVAC systems in your area.
We will begin this section with a list of the most common thieves of our energy spending, and give helpful and easy tips to reduce your expenses. Homeowners in Denham Springs and surrounding areas wondering how to reduce their energy cost don’t have to look far; Summers Comfort Heating & Air is here to provide professional services and recommendations for an energy-saving, cost-reducing solution.
1. Inefficient HVAC Systems
Your HVAC system is likely the largest energy consumer in your home, especially in Louisiana’s demanding climate. If it’s not operating efficiently, it can drive up your electric bill significantly.
Dirty or Clogged Air Filters
When air filters are not properly maintained, they can restrict airflow, causing the system to exert additional effort in either cooling or heating the space within the home. Such strain requires more time and energy, and hence raises expenses.
Solution: Replace or clean air filters every 1-3 months. Summers Comfort Heating & Air can recommend the best filters for your system and lifestyle.
Outdated HVAC Equipment
Older HVAC systems, especially those over 10-15 years old, lack the energy efficiency of modern units. They require more electricity to function and struggle to maintain consistent temperatures.
Solution: Upgrading to an energy-efficient model can significantly reduce energy usage. Ask Summers Comfort Heating & Air about high-efficiency systems that qualify for rebates or tax incentives.
Neglected Maintenance
Regular maintenance keeps your HVAC system running smoothly and efficiently. Without it, wear-and-tear can lead to higher energy use.
Solution: Schedule routine tune-ups with our team. We’ll inspect, clean, and optimize your system to ensure it runs at peak performance.
2. Improper Thermostat Use
Your thermostat plays a key role in your home’s energy efficiency. Incorrect settings or outdated technology can lead to energy waste.
Extreme Temperature Settings
Setting your thermostat too high in winter or too low in summer forces your HVAC system to work overtime, driving up energy costs.
Solution: Use energy-efficient settings, such as 68°F in winter and 78°F in summer. Consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat to automate adjustments based on your schedule.
Old or Malfunctioning Thermostats
Older thermostats may lack the precision needed for accurate temperature control, causing your system to cycle more frequently than necessary.
Solution: Upgrade to a smart thermostat that offers advanced features, such as remote control and energy usage reports. Summers Comfort Heating & Air can handle the installation for you.
3. Poor Home Insulation
Inadequate insulation is a common issue in Louisiana homes, especially older ones. Poor insulation allows conditioned air to escape and outdoor air to infiltrate, making your HVAC system work harder.
Drafty Doors and Windows
Leaks around doors and windows can lead to significant energy loss.
Solution: Seal gaps with weatherstripping or caulking. Installing energy-efficient windows and doors can also make a big difference.
Lack of Attic Insulation
Your attic plays a crucial role in your home’s energy efficiency. Without proper insulation, heat can escape in winter and enter in summer.
Solution: Upgrade your attic insulation to reduce energy loss. This is a relatively simple step with a big impact on your electric bill.
4. Ductwork Issues
Your HVAC system relies on ductwork to distribute air throughout your home. Problems with your ducts can lead to inefficiencies that drive up energy costs.
Leaky Ducts
Cracks or holes in your ductwork can cause air to escape before it reaches your living spaces, wasting energy.
Solution: Schedule a duct inspection with Summers Comfort Heating & Air. We can seal and repair any leaks to improve your system’s efficiency.
Improperly Designed Ducts
Poorly sized or designed ductwork can restrict airflow, causing your HVAC system to use more energy to achieve the desired temperature.
Solution: We can evaluate your ductwork and recommend upgrades or modifications to optimize airflow.
5. High Humidity Levels
Louisiana’s humid climate can exacerbate energy costs. High humidity makes your home feel warmer, prompting you to lower your thermostat and overwork your air conditioner.
Solution:
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity levels. Summers Comfort Heating & Air offers whole-house dehumidifiers that integrate seamlessly with your HVAC system.
- Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and other moisture-prone areas.
6. Seasonal Energy Demands
The changing seasons in Denham Springs bring fluctuating energy needs. During peak summer and winter months, your HVAC system has to work harder to maintain comfort, leading to higher energy bills.
Solution: Prepare for seasonal energy demands:
- Schedule a pre-season HVAC tune-up to ensure your system is ready to handle extreme weather.
- Use ceiling fans to help circulate air and reduce reliance on your HVAC system.
7. Phantom Energy Usage
Did you know that devices and appliances can draw power even when they’re turned off? This “phantom energy” can contribute to your high electric bill.
Solution:
- Unplug devices when not in use.
- Use smart power strips to easily turn off multiple devices.
- Invest in energy-efficient appliances with low standby power consumption.
8. Rising Utility Rates
Sometimes, the culprit behind your high electric bill isn’t in your home—it’s in the rising cost of electricity. While you can’t control utility rates, you can offset them by reducing your energy consumption.
Solution:
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and systems.
- Consider alternative energy sources, such as solar panels, to reduce reliance on the grid.
9. Inefficient Water Heating
If your water heater is electric, it could be a major contributor to your high energy costs, especially if it’s old or improperly set.
Solution:
- Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F.
- Install low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce hot water usage.
- Insulate your water heater and hot water pipes to prevent heat loss.
10. Professional Energy Audits
Sometimes, the best way to identify the source of high energy bills is through a professional energy audit. This process evaluates your home’s energy efficiency and identifies problem areas.
Solution: Summers Comfort Heating & Air offers energy audits to help you pinpoint inefficiencies and recommend solutions tailored to your home.
How Summers Comfort Heating & Air Can Help
If you’re tired of high electric bills, Summers Comfort Heating & Air is here to help. We offer a range of services designed to improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort:
HVAC Maintenance and Repairs
Our experienced technicians provide regular maintenance to keep your system running smoothly. If your HVAC system needs repairs, we’ll fix it quickly and efficiently.
Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Upgrade to a high-efficiency HVAC system to reduce energy usage and costs. We’ll help you choose the best model for your home and budget.
Ductwork Services
We inspect, seal, and repair ductwork to prevent air leakage and ensure optimal airflow throughout your home.
Thermostat Installation
Take control of your home’s energy usage with a programmable or smart thermostat installed by our professionals.
Dehumidification Solutions
Combat Louisiana’s humidity with a whole-house dehumidifier that works in tandem with your HVAC system.
Energy Audits
Our team will evaluate your home’s energy efficiency and recommend practical solutions to lower your electric bill.
Final Thoughts
High electricity bills can be very frustrating, but with the right attitude, those expenses can be managed. There’s plenty of areas to tighten your grip and cutting down on energy wastage, from HVAC efficiency to insulation and ductwork problems.
Summers Comfort Heating & Air always aims to help the residents of Denham Springs and surrounding counties reduce their energy utilization and comfort levels. Call us now to set up a consultation or service, and go ahead and make the first steps to reduce your electric bills.
Ready to lower your electric bill? Call Summers Comfort Heating & Air today for expert solutions!
Shannon Ohlinger
Content Creator, Writer, USMC Veteran
“Today, you will plant seeds for trees you will neither climb nor sit beneath their shade.”
