Facts & Figures

Why do some homeowners have high electric bills compared to some of their neighbors?
High electric bills seem to go hand-in-hand with a history of infrequent or no equipment maintenance. If the coil on the outdoor unit is not cleaned at least annually, it becomes blocked with dirt and various fibrous materials - sometimes almost completely blocked.

A rule of thumb is that the operating cost of the air conditioning is affected in direct proportion to the percentage of coil blockage. 10% blockage can cause approximately a 10% increase in operating cost. Heat damaged motors and other electrical parts also occur because of the inability of the condenser to reject the substantial heat from the compressor due to the blocked coils.

Additionally, freon (refrigerant) shortage could be a major problem. The reduced cooling may not be noticed by the homeowner, but can really run up the electric bill by forcing the equipment to run longer to satisfy the thermostat setting in the summer. A very small refrigerant leak or undercharge can cause a severe efficiency loss. It also causes the compressor to run hot and possibly be damaged. You wouldn't run your car without water in the radiator.

Is it realistic to expect to save the cost of the annual maintenance agreement by lower electric bills?
Yes, and then a lot more! Below is what a university study showed. Louisiana State University along with Gulf States Utility Company conducted a joint study to establish whether routine maintenance of residential air conditioning systems would:

• Restore performance capacity — and it did, by 1/2 to 3/4 tons
• Improve comfort — and it did, by reducing humidity
• Reduce running time — and it did, by reducing it by 1.7 hours per day

All these lower energy costs. The study then states, "Good maintenance programs with residential air conditioning are profitable for the homeowner." This study showed an average savings of $32.76 per month based on 8 cents per kilowatt hour in the test area. In conclusion, air conditioning maintenance benefits the consumer by lowering operating costs, increasing comfort and capacity, and by helping to extend the life of the equipment.

A second study from North Carolina Alternative Energy Corporation examined air conditioning efficiencies and found:

• 90% of the units tested exhibited some sort of energy-wasting problem
• 50% had an improper refrigerant charge
• 40% failed to meet minimum airflow criterion
• a deficiency of 20% in airflow reduces the SEER Rating by 17%
• a 15% return air leak from a 120 degree attic could reduce a 12 SEER air conditioning system to a 6 SEER.

A third study from Pacific Gas & Electric concluded energy savings potentials as follows:

• Repair of disconnected ducts was 15%
• Repair if diffuser leakage 7.5%
• Correcting air flow 5.6%
• Repairing leaks and correcting refrigerant charge 18.4%.

Investing in a new high-efficiency system that is properly installed by talented and highly trained technicians (such as those employed at All Seasons Heating and Cooling), can reduce your air conditioning bills by 20% or more depending upon what SEER equipment you currently own. If you have a system that was installed prior to 1992, your savings could be 50% or more.

Bottom line - If you have routine maintenance performed by highly trained, factory and NATE certified technicians (North American Technical Excellence) - your equipment should last longer, make you more comfortable, and save you money from lower utility bills and fewer repair bills.