If your PSEG-LI bill has spiked in June with higher consumption than last year, your air conditioner is a potential culprit. Neglected maintenance or faulty components could increase the power draw and skyrocket your bill.

Learn what to look for if you suspect your AC is at fault, and talk to a local HVAC contractor in Suffolk County at Soundview Heat and Air Conditioning Corp.

Key Takeaways

• A malfunctioning or poorly maintained air conditioner may use more energy.
• An aging compressor could spike your electric bill.
• A Suffolk County HVAC Contractor Can Diagnose an Inefficient AC Unit.

What’s Actually Draining Your Electricity?

There are three common factors that can drive up AC energy consumption quietly over time.

• Refrigerant Loss: Air conditioners are sealed systems, but slow leaks can develop in old units. A refrigerant leak forces the compressor to run significantly longer to achieve your set temperature.
• Dirty Condenser Coil: A dirty condenser coil in the outdoor unit will fail to expel heat, forcing the air conditioner to work harder and for longer. Electricity usage will be particularly high on extremely hot or humid days.
• Compressor Wear: An old compressor will use more energy as it struggles to pump refrigerant for the cooling cycle. The compressor will run longer (long cycling), dramatically increasing the electricity consumption. If you have an older non-inverter unit, the energy consumption will be particularly high, as the compressor will likely only have one or two speeds.

An AC Tune-Up in Suffolk County Can Pay for Itself

If life got busy and you forgot to book your AC tune-up in spring, now is the time to talk to a technician. Seasonal cleaning and calibration can optimize your air conditioner and prevent sudden energy consumption spikes.

If there are problems with the unit, a technician will find them during the tune-up and can recommend any necessary AC repairs to get your system running perfectly.

Is Your AC Near Its Replacement Age?

If you have an air conditioner that’s over ten years old, it might be near its replacement age. If the compressor is simply worn from a long life, a full system replacement is typically your best option.

Higher efficiency and lower operating costs are major benefits of installing a new air conditioner in Suffolk County. Modern systems use variable inverter technology, allowing for fine compressor speed control to reduce energy consumption without affecting comfort. Most Long Island homes see energy savings of up to 40% when comparing an older air conditioner with a modern inverter unit.

Talk to an HVAC Contractor Near You

If your utility bill has spiked without changing your consumption patterns, a licensed HVAC contractor is available for a detailed inspection, AC tune-up, or repair. We have served Suffolk County since 2000 and are standing by for any of your home comfort needs. Talk to Soundview HVAC today at 631-209-1744.