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Common Causes of High Cooling Bills in the Summer

Common Causes of High Cooling Bills in the Summer

June 26, 2025

What Point Pleasant homeowners need to know to keep energy costs under control

Summertime in Point Pleasant, NJ, means sun-soaked beach days, boardwalk strolls, and unfortunately for many, surprisingly high energy bills. While running your air conditioner more frequently is expected during the warmer months, sky-high utility costs aren’t something you should just accept. If your cooling bills are climbing, the issue might not be just the heat—your HVAC system and home setup may be contributing to energy waste.

At ITAK Heating & Cooling, we work with homeowners across the Point Pleasant area to uncover the hidden causes of inefficient cooling. Below, we break down the most common culprits of high summer cooling bills and what you can do about them.

1. Poor Insulation and Air Leaks

Even the most powerful air conditioning system can struggle if your home isn’t well insulated. In older homes throughout Point Pleasant, aging insulation and gaps in windows or doors can allow cool air to escape and hot air to seep in. This forces your AC to run longer and harder to maintain the desired indoor temperature.

What to do:

  • Seal gaps around windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping.

  • Consider having your attic or crawlspace insulation evaluated.

  • Ask ITAK Heating & Cooling about a home energy audit to identify weak spots in your home’s envelope.

2. Lack of HVAC Maintenance

Air conditioners need regular maintenance to run efficiently. Over time, dirt and debris can clog condenser coils, air filters can become blocked, and refrigerant levels can drop—all of which reduce your system’s ability to cool your home efficiently.

Signs your AC may need maintenance:

  • Reduced airflow from vents

  • Unusual noises or odors when the unit runs

  • Uneven cooling between rooms

  • System short cycling (frequent on-and-off behavior)

Solution: Schedule seasonal AC maintenance with ITAK Heating & Cooling. Our certified technicians will clean critical components, check refrigerant levels, and ensure everything is running smoothly before peak summer temperatures hit.

3. Thermostat Issues or Misuse

Your thermostat is the command center for your cooling system, and even small issues with settings or location can affect your energy usage. Thermostats placed in direct sunlight or near heat-generating appliances may misread indoor temperatures, causing the AC to overrun.

Best practices:

  • Keep the thermostat away from heat sources and sunlight.

  • Use a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures when you're not home.

  • Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for improved control and energy tracking.

4. Aging or Inefficient HVAC Equipment

Older HVAC systems—especially those over 10–15 years old—tend to be far less energy efficient than today’s ENERGY STAR®-rated models. In some Point Pleasant homes, outdated central air systems may be the main reason for rising utility bills.

When to consider replacement:

  • Frequent repairs in recent years

  • System runs non-stop but fails to cool

  • Rising energy bills despite maintenance

  • Your system uses R-22 refrigerant (now phased out)

Upgrading to a high-efficiency system with ITAK Heating & Cooling can cut cooling costs significantly and improve overall comfort.

5. Dirty or Blocked Air Filters

It sounds simple, but dirty air filters are one of the most overlooked causes of high energy bills. When filters are clogged, your system has to work harder to push air through, which increases energy usage and can strain your AC.

Tip: Check your air filter every 30 days during the summer. Replace it at least every 60–90 days—or more often if you have pets or allergies.

6. Poor Ductwork Design or Leaks

Ductwork plays a critical role in delivering cooled air throughout your home. In some Point Pleasant homes, poorly designed duct systems or leaks in the ductwork can result in major energy loss. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that leaky ducts can account for up to 30% of energy loss in a typical home.

How to fix it:

  • Have your ducts inspected for leaks, damage, or poor layout.

  • Ask ITAK Heating & Cooling about duct sealing or possible duct redesign.

  • Ensure vents and registers are unobstructed by furniture or drapes.

7. Improper Use of Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are meant to complement your AC, not replace it. However, if they’re spinning in the wrong direction (clockwise during summer instead of counterclockwise), they can actually make you feel warmer.

Fan tips:

  • Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise during summer to push cool air downward.

  • Turn fans off when leaving a room—fans cool people, not air.

8. Overuse of Heat-Producing Appliances

Appliances like ovens, clothes dryers, and even incandescent light bulbs produce heat that can make your AC work overtime. Using these during the hottest parts of the day increases indoor temperatures and energy use.

Summer strategy:

  • Cook with a microwave or grill outdoors instead of using the oven.

  • Run dryers and dishwashers at night.

  • Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs.

9. Neglected Zones or Unused Rooms

Cooling rooms that aren't in use wastes energy. If you have a zoned HVAC system and the dampers are open in unused areas, your system might be cooling more space than necessary.

Tip: Close doors and vents to rooms not in use, or upgrade to a zoned system that can efficiently control cooling by area.

10. Humidity Control Problems

Point Pleasant's coastal climate brings humidity—especially in summer. High humidity makes the air feel warmer and causes your AC to run longer to remove moisture.

Solutions:

  • Make sure your AC is properly sized to handle humidity levels.

  • Consider installing a whole-home dehumidifier with ITAK Heating & Cooling to maintain ideal indoor humidity and reduce cooling demand.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Summer Bills Catch You Off Guard

If your cooling bills have been creeping higher each summer, it’s time to take a closer look. Many issues—like insulation, maintenance, and system age—can go unnoticed until they start affecting your comfort and wallet.

At ITAK Heating & Cooling, we’re here to help homeowners in Point Pleasant identify the real causes behind high energy bills and deliver reliable, cost-effective HVAC solutions. Whether you need a quick AC tune-up or are considering upgrading your system altogether, our certified technicians are ready to bring comfort and savings back to your home.

Want to start saving on your cooling costs today? Contact ITAK Heating & Cooling to schedule a consultation or air conditioning inspection. We proudly serve Point Pleasant, NJ, and the surrounding coastal communities.

Let me know if you’d like a follow-up post on AC efficiency upgrades, DIY cooling tips, or smart thermostat guides tailored for Point Pleasant homeowners!