2006-08-01 01:13:03 · 6 answers · asked by Star G 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
According to my electric bill I used 1000 Kwh more than I used last month or this same month last year. Temperatures are about the same (we are not suffering the heat wave most of the country is). I suspect my central A/C unit is the culprit. I have a programable thermostat for efficency. I was just wondering if anyone knows what type of problems could cause the unit to use more electricity. Maybe a compressor going bad or some other issue known to cause electricity usage to rise. The unit still seems to do a good job cooling and freon level (when checked by a service man) was normal. Thanks!
2006-08-01 03:46:31 · update #1
I think you're right about your compressor. As they age, the consumption of energy can increase, and jumps considerably at the end of the life-cycle. Have your a/c tech see what kind of amps that beast is drawing.
These days, with long-term financing, you can actually enjoy a positive cash flow by replacing your equipment with a more efficiant product. If the monthly savings on utilities is greater than the payment on your new system (which it usually is) the process becomes painless from a monetary point of view.
Just be sure to gather several quotes and do some due diligence before taking the plunge. Good luck!
2006-08-01 04:13:14 · answer #1 · answered by Elwood Blues 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sorry, but I have an issue with the wording of your question:
There is no reason why your A/.C should "use more electricity than before". What can happen, though, is -
a) Reduced efficiency (gas leak, filter blocked), hence more electricity needed to achieve the same result, or
b) Its hotter outside, hence the thermostat comes on more frequently.
But if you haven't mearured the Kilowatt-hours on your A/C before, then how would you ever know whether it uses more juice now?
To measure it now, you can use a widely available in-line meter.
2006-08-01 01:59:45 · answer #2 · answered by Marianna 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's hotter than normal it probably is.
The best way is to look at your bill. It tracks your charges month to month at regular intervals. If you have your bills from last year you can compare the bills for the same month to track it.
It would be a good idea to have an HVAC Tech go through your system so it is running at maximum efficiency.
2006-08-01 01:26:39 · answer #3 · answered by opie with an attitude 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should have your system checked every year at the beginning of spring and the furnace examined at the beginning of fall. The person who does this can tell if it is wasting energy and help you to find ways to reduce the energy use. Also by keeping it maintained it uses less energy.
2006-08-01 01:23:35 · answer #4 · answered by mom of girls 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take hourly readings of your e'city meter and you will know how much you are consuming.
2006-08-01 01:18:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It probably is if it's as hot where you are as it is in central Ohio
2006-08-01 01:17:22 · answer #6 · answered by msjudy58 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋