6 min read • Jason Solutions · Richmond, VA
Richmond’s combination of hot humid summers and cold winters means your HVAC system runs hard. But if your energy bill seems way too high, your system is probably working harder than it should be. Here’s what to check.
1. Dirty Air Filter
We’ll keep saying this until everyone listens: a clogged filter forces your system to strain for airflow. That strain burns more electricity or gas for less heating and cooling output. It’s the most common cause of high energy bills that I see — and the easiest fix.
- Check your filter right now. If it’s gray and you can’t see light through it, change it.
- Set a phone reminder to check it every 30 days.
2. Refrigerant Leak
If your AC is low on refrigerant, it runs longer cycles trying to reach the set temperature — racking up your electricity bill without actually cooling your home well. Signs of low refrigerant:
- AC runs constantly but the house stays warm
- Ice forming on the indoor coil or copper line
- Hissing or bubbling sounds near the unit
Refrigerant doesn’t just ‘run out’ — if it’s low, there’s a leak. I’ll find the leak, repair it, and recharge the system. Adding refrigerant without fixing the leak is a temporary and wasteful fix.
3. Leaky Ductwork
Studies estimate that 20–30% of conditioned air in a typical home escapes through leaky ducts before it reaches the rooms. You’re paying to cool or heat your attic and crawl space instead of your living room.
Signs of duct leaks:
- Rooms that never seem to reach the right temperature
- Higher-than-expected energy bills despite normal system function
- Dustier-than-usual rooms (ducts pulling unconditioned air in)
Sealing and insulating ducts can cut HVAC energy use by 20% or more. This is one of the highest-return improvements a Richmond homeowner can make.
💡 Pro Tip from Jason: I can inspect your ductwork and give you an honest estimate on sealing. In many cases it’s a straightforward job with a fast payback in lower energy bills.
4. Thermostat Set Too Aggressively
Every degree of difference between indoor and outdoor temperature costs more to maintain. In Richmond summers:
- ✅ 78°F when home: The Energy Star recommended setting for cooling. Comfortable for most people.
- ✅ 85°F or off when away: Raise it when you leave — your home will cool down quickly when you return.
- ❌ 68°F all day: Your system runs nearly constantly in July to maintain this, and your bill shows it.
A programmable or smart thermostat (Nest, Ecobee) pays for itself quickly in energy savings. I install them — takes about an hour.
5. An Aging, Inefficient System
A 15-year-old AC unit might have a SEER (efficiency) rating of 8–10. New units start at SEER 14 and go up to SEER 20+. That means a new system can cool your home using 40–60% less electricity for the same output.
If your system is over 12 years old and your bills are climbing, the unit itself may simply be inefficient — even if it’s technically ‘working.’ Run the numbers on replacement vs. continued operation.
6. Poor Home Insulation and Air Sealing
HVAC efficiency is only half the equation. If your home leaks conditioned air through gaps in insulation, old windows, or unsealed penetrations, your system runs overtime to compensate. Common culprits:
- Attic insulation below recommended R-38 to R-60 levels (Richmond climate)
- Gaps around recessed lights, electrical outlets, plumbing penetrations
- Old weatherstripping on doors and windows
- Unsealed attic hatches
I’m not an insulation contractor, but I can tell you honestly whether your HVAC problem is a system issue or a building envelope issue — and point you in the right direction.
7. Oversized or Undersized Equipment
Bigger is not better with HVAC. An oversized system short-cycles (turns on and off rapidly), which is inefficient and wears the equipment faster. An undersized system runs constantly and never quite keeps up.
If you’ve had ductwork changes, an addition, or a renovation since your system was installed, the equipment sizing may no longer match your home. This is something I check during a full system assessment.
8. Neglected Maintenance
A system that hasn’t been tuned up in several years accumulates problems: dirty coils, worn parts, low refrigerant, and degraded efficiency. Annual maintenance typically improves efficiency by 5–15% — enough to pay for the tune-up cost and then some.
📞 If your energy bill jumped significantly and you can’t explain why, call me. I’ll diagnose the real reason — not just sell you a new unit. I serve all of Richmond and surrounding counties and I give you straight answers.