Common Mistakes That Make Air Conditioning Less Efficient and More Expensive

HVAC Efficiency Errors to Avoid That Are Costing You Money

It is natural to expect that your energy bill will change a little with the seasons. However, if you are seeing your bill spike dramatically when warmer weather sets in, you may not be cooling your home as efficiently as possible. Here are a few ways that you can run your air conditioning efficiently and stay comfortable without wasting energy.

Skipping Preventive Maintenance

If you wait until your system is not performing well until you call an HVAC contractor, addressing maintenance needs could become more intensive than necessary. Preventive HVAC maintenance that includes cleaning and calibration can keep your system running in optimal condition. Units that have regular maintenance are a lot more likely to reach their projected useful lifespan than those which are not well-maintained.

Not Cleaning Your Whole System

Unfortunately, some people think that the only part of their HVAC that they need to clean is the vents. In reality, cleaning an air handler is more important than cleaning the vents because it is where all of the air that is coming through the vents originates.

Putting a filter in an air handler helps to keep it clean, but it does not wholly prevent dust and other debris from getting trapped in this key piece of equipment. When air passes through a unit, it travels through an evaporator coil. This grate-like component can collect a considerable volume of dust and allergens. Coils can also collect moisture, which causes those small particles to stick to it. The coating on coils can also cause bacteria to form. Over time, a thick film of dirt makes it harder for air to flow through the unit.

Professional cleaning by an HVAC contractor prevents this type of problem before it starts. To clean your air handler thoroughly, a technician can remove a part of it. Technicians use powerful cleaning agents that remove buildup and provide sanitization. It may be possible to install a UV sanitization device that can help to keep your air handler clean between maintenance calls.

Using the Same Filter for Too Long

Replacing your filter too infrequently is problematic for the same reason why cleaning your air handler infrequently can lead to diminished performance. Obstructions in the flow of air impede the output of all the cool air that your system produces.

Not replacing filters can result in clogged coils between cleanings. When a filter is too thick and full of dirt to continue collecting it, the particles that it does not trap may go straight into the coil and cause clogs.

Changing your filter frequently gives your air handler full protection from particles such as lint and dust that are floating around in the air. Also, having freshly changed filters in place ensures that your system does not have to work harder than it needs to in order push air through the handler.

The frequency with which you need to change your filters depends on a few factors such as a unit’s specifications, a filter’s rating, and your usage habits. Ask an HVAC contractor about how often you should be swapping out your filters and what type of filtration option will offer the best protection for your system.

Ignoring Drips

Do not conclude that a small drip on an air handler is nothing to worry about. While a moderate amount of condensation may be normal, dripping so much water that a system continuously leaks droplets is a warning sign that a system is failing. A number of issues can cause this type of problem. Low coolant can cause an excessive volume of water to accumulate around an evaporator coil and freeze over. Likewise, obstructions in a filter attached to a condenser can lead to leaks and standing water around an air handler.

Mismatched Components

Systems will struggle to operate well if they have incompatible components. A system’s air handler and condenser should have the same tonnage. If you have a 2 ton air handler and a 2.5 ton condenser, your air handler may be working too hard to keep up with your condenser. Alternatively, your condenser could be working harder than it needs to in order to cool your home. A knowledgeable HVAC contractor can help you confirm that your system is set up correctly and advise you about which size is best for your home’s square footage.

Excessive Repairs

In general, it is cost-effective to replace systems that are very old rather than performing costly repairs. Extreme age can make it difficult for HVACs to produce cold air. They may run almost continuously to reach the temperature that you set on your thermostat. Newer systems produce cold air with ease. Moreover, they are a lot more energy-efficient and have better SEER ratings than their predecessors.



Keeping your home cool during warm weather does not have to be a cost-prohibitive proposition. Some strategic measures and smart habits can save you a lot of money on your monthly energy bill. Contact Next Level HVAC for help to get the most out of your air conditioning. Our technicians can troubleshoot common issues and give you important information about what you need to do to take great care of your home’s HVAC system.