A great air conditioning system does more than keep your house cool. It keeps your house cool without wasting energy. In other words, it runs efficiently.
But the same way that an AC can start to decline and provide less cool air, it can also start to become inefficient and waste energy. The two don’t even have to go together: you might still enjoy ideal comfort from your air conditioner yet see a tremendous rise in utility bills. If you have a problem with an inefficient air conditioner, you may need AC repair in Macclenny, FL—or possibly a new air conditioner!
What are the most common causes of an inefficient air conditioner?
- Clogged air filter: Dirty filters reduce airflow, forcing the system to work harder and consume more energy.
- Poor installation: Incorrect ductwork, system sizing, or drainage can quietly reduce efficiency over time.
- Lack of maintenance: Skipping annual tune‑ups allows efficiency to decline year after year.
- Leaky or damaged ducts: Holes or sagging ducts can waste up to 30% of cooled air before it reaches your home.
- Refrigerant loss and dirty coils: Leaks and debris buildup on coils strain the compressor and reduce performance.
- Aging equipment: AC units over 15 years old lose efficiency and may need replacement.
We’ll look at six ways an AC can become inefficient.