This content has been reviewed and updated on 5/10/2021.

Utility costs can fluctuate every month based on the heating and cooling system used to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. However, not all increases are normal. Consistent use, especially during COVID-19, has strained residential HVAC systems. Without maintenance, your air conditioner can work harder to reach the set temperature, increasing energy bills. Learn more about contributing factors and how to decrease your utility costs as summer comes around again.  

Why Are My Electricity Bills Higher During COVID-19?

1. Clogged Filters

Residential HVAC filters are designed to remove airborne particles as they pass through the system, keeping the components of the unit clear and maintaining clean indoor air quality. Over time, a solid layer of dust will develop along the surface of the filter, making it work harder to produce cool air. To keep your AC efficient, swap these out at least once a month.

2. Remote Work

Many people have been spending more time at home for over a year due to COVID-19 lockdowns and quarantines. Nearly 60% of employees in the United States have also been working remotely since approximately March 2020. These two factors caused a general increase in monthly energy costs, with individuals paying as much as $600 more a year in electric bills. Reduced commuter-related expenses can absorb the increase in utility use, but you may not break even. 

Increase your savings by switching to Energy Star® office equipment which provides the same reliability with increased efficiency. Limit HVAC use to currently occupied rooms. A new residential HVAC system can also save you money in the long term. Energy efficiency advancements have made systems more cost-effective over the last decade, which will reduce your utility bills for the duration of the unit's life span. 

3. Leaky Ducts

The ductwork in a central system disperses cool air to various parts of the house to keep it at a comfortable temperature. Leaks in the ducts can cause air loss. This reduces the amount of refrigeration that reaches each room. It also forces your unit to keep running to try to cool it down. If the unit is always running, schedule AC repairs as soon as possible to decrease energy consumption.

4. Poor Insulation

The lack of insulation in a home can create temperature transfer through the walls, reducing the HVAC's energy efficiency and causing utility bills to skyrocket. Prevent overworking your heating and cooling systems by installing insulation in your home and adding curtains to the windows to reduce air transfer.

If you need residential HVAC repairs to bring down your energy bills, call Concord Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. Since 1977, their contractors provide quality heating and air conditioning services throughout Cabarrus County, NC, and are certified Trane Comfort Specialist™ Dealers. For more information on their services, visit their website. To learn more about their financing options or to schedule a free estimate, call them at (704) 786-6608.