AC Running Up Your Energy Bill? Here’s What to Check
A noticeable jump in your electric bill without a matching jump in how much you’re using the AC usually points to the system working harder than it should. Here’s what typically causes it.
Common Causes of Rising Cooling Costs
Before assuming the worst, rule out the simple stuff:
- A dirty air filter forcing the system to run longer to move the same amount of air.
- Low refrigerant, which makes the system work harder to remove the same amount of heat.
- A dirty outdoor coil that can’t shed heat efficiently, especially after a season of pollen and debris buildup.
- Leaky or poorly sealed ductwork losing cooled air before it reaches the vents, especially in attic ductwork exposed to Houston heat.
What’s Worth Checking First
A few other factors are worth considering as well:
- An aging system that’s naturally lost some of its original efficiency over the years.
- A thermostat set lower than necessary, or a schedule that’s cooling an empty house during the day.
- Compare this month’s bill and usage to the same month last year, not just last month, since Houston’s seasonal swings are significant.
- Check the filter and replace it if it’s visibly dirty — this is the single easiest thing to rule out.
- Check that vents throughout the house are open and unblocked, since closed vents can throw off system balance and efficiency.
When It’s Worth Having a Technician Look
If a sharp increase doesn’t line up with a matching jump in weather or usage, and the basic checks don’t turn anything up, it’s worth having the refrigerant charge and coil condition checked professionally.
This is exactly the kind of issue where diagnosing before repairing matters: low refrigerant, a dirty coil, and duct leaks all raise bills in similar ways but call for very different fixes.
Common Questions
Some increase is expected as outdoor temperatures rise and the system runs longer, but a sharp jump beyond what matches the weather is worth investigating rather than assuming is normal.
A tune-up that catches issues like low refrigerant or a dirty coil can restore some lost efficiency, though it won’t turn an aging system into a brand-new one. Ask about maintenance plan options when you call.
Both are possible, and the symptoms can look similar from a bill alone. See our guide on ductwork and airflow problems for more on how duct issues specifically show up.
Energy Bill Higher Than Expected?
Call the number below and we’ll help figure out what’s driving it, day or night.