Living in Pearland, TX means enjoying a blend of suburban comfort and proximity to the Gulf Coast. But it also means dealing with hot, humid weather for much of the year. With temperatures often climbing into the 90s and humidity levels soaring, air conditioning isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. But just because your AC is working hard doesn’t mean your energy bill has to be, too.
If you’ve ever opened your summer utility bill and done a double take, you’re not alone. High cooling costs are common in warm climates like Pearland’s, but consistently oversized bills could be a sign that something isn’t quite right. The good news? There are practical ways to figure out if you’re overpaying—and what to do about it. Let’s take a closer look.
Understanding What’s Normal in Pearland’s Energy Bills
First, it helps to understand what “normal” looks like for summer energy consumption in the area. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Texas residents spend an average of about 1,176 kWh per month on electricity—higher than the national average, largely due to air conditioning.
If you’re living in Pearland and using significantly more than that during summer months—or noticing your bills spiking compared to previous years—it could be time to investigate further. But don’t panic; several common factors could be contributing to higher bills, and many of them are fixable.
Common Signs You’re Overpaying for Cooling
1. Your Energy Bill Keeps Climbing Each Year
If your summer utility bill rises consistently year after year despite similar usage patterns, that’s a red flag. While some increase is expected due to rate adjustments or particularly intense heat waves, sharp or repeated spikes usually indicate inefficiency—either in your system or your home.
2. Your AC Runs Constantly
In a hot, humid climate like Pearland’s, your AC will naturally run often. But if it’s running all the time—even on days that aren’t especially hot—it may be struggling to keep up. This could mean the unit is undersized, outdated, or in need of maintenance, all of which can drive up energy costs.
3. Inconsistent Indoor Temperatures
Are some rooms much cooler or warmer than others? Uneven temperatures often point to ductwork issues, poor insulation, or improper system balancing. Not only does this affect your comfort, but it also forces your HVAC system to work harder than necessary, increasing your energy usage.
4. Your System Is More Than 10-15 Years Old
Older air conditioning units are often less efficient than modern ones. According to ENERGY STAR, even a 10-year-old unit could cost 20-40% more to operate than a newer, high-efficiency model. If your unit is aging, it may be time to evaluate whether it’s still performing efficiently.
5. Poor Insulation or Leaky Ductwork
A surprising amount of energy can be lost through gaps in insulation or holes in your ductwork. In fact, the Department of Energy estimates that typical duct systems lose 20-30% of their conditioned air due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. That’s air you’re paying to cool—and losing.
What Affects Your Summer Energy Bill?
Knowing the warning signs is just the beginning. Several key factors play into how much you’re spending to cool your home during Pearland’s long, hot summers:
HVAC System Efficiency
Your HVAC system’s efficiency plays a major role in your summer energy consumption. Units are rated using SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit. In Texas, a minimum SEER rating of 15 is required for new installations, but older systems may have much lower ratings.
Thermostat Settings
Setting your thermostat too low can result in unnecessary energy use. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and higher when you’re away during summer months. Every degree lower can increase your energy use by 3-5%.
Home Insulation and Air Leaks
Your home’s envelope—windows, doors, walls, and insulation—significantly affects how well your HVAC system performs. Inadequate insulation or poorly sealed windows can make your air conditioner work overtime. Weatherstripping, caulking, and attic insulation improvements can all help reduce this burden.
Ductwork Condition
Ducts that are poorly designed, leaky, or clogged can restrict airflow and decrease system efficiency. Even well-maintained systems can suffer from poor ductwork, which is why professional inspections are so important.
Maintenance Habits
Neglecting routine maintenance can cause your AC to lose up to 5% of its efficiency each year. Dirty coils, clogged filters, and low refrigerant levels all make your system work harder, driving up energy consumption. Regular HVAC tune-ups can restore efficiency and prevent costly issues.
How to Identify the Problem Areas
Not sure where to start? Here are some practical steps you can take to identify where your energy dollars might be going to waste.
Conduct an Energy Audit
A home energy audit is a comprehensive assessment of how energy flows through your home. Professionals use tools like infrared cameras and blower doors to detect leaks, insulation gaps, and inefficiencies. This can pinpoint exactly what’s causing high bills—and how to fix it.
Track Your Energy Use
Utility providers often offer online tools or apps that let you track your daily or hourly energy usage. By monitoring this data, you can spot patterns and identify unusual spikes, which might indicate something’s wrong with your system or usage habits.
Inspect and Replace Air Filters
A clogged air filter can restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder. This is one of the easiest fixes—experts recommend checking your filter monthly and replacing it every 1-3 months depending on usage and household conditions.
Check for Hot or Cold Spots
Walk through your home and pay attention to temperature differences. If some rooms are noticeably warmer or cooler, this might signal ductwork problems, insufficient insulation, or improper airflow—all of which can lead to overpaying on your energy bill.
Preventative Measures to Lower Your Bill
The good news is, you don’t have to live with high bills. By taking a few proactive steps, you can boost efficiency and comfort while cutting costs.
Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is one of the best investments you can make for your HVAC system. During a tune-up, technicians will clean coils, inspect components, check refrigerant levels, and ensure your system is running at peak performance.
Seal Leaks and Improve Insulation
Simple upgrades like sealing windows, doors, and ductwork, or adding insulation to your attic can make a big difference in reducing heat gain and keeping conditioned air where it belongs.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats learn your patterns and can automatically adjust settings for optimal efficiency. Some models even provide energy usage reports and allow remote control via smartphone, helping you save even when you’re not home.
Consider a High-Efficiency HVAC System
If your current system is outdated or underperforming, upgrading to a high-efficiency model can significantly reduce your energy use. Look for ENERGY STAR® certified systems with high SEER ratings to get the most benefit.
Why Professional Help Makes a Difference
While there are some steps you can take on your own, HVAC professionals bring expertise, tools, and training that go far beyond DIY fixes. At Custom Air Systems, our licensed technicians understand the unique challenges of Pearland’s climate and know how to get your system running efficiently and reliably.
From identifying inefficiencies in your current setup to recommending the best upgrades or performing thorough maintenance, we take the guesswork out of keeping your home comfortable and energy-smart.
For AC Services in Pearland, TX, Contact Custom Air Systems Today
If you suspect you’re overpaying on your summer energy bill—or just want to be sure your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible—Custom Air Systems is here to help. We’ve been serving the Pearland community with expert HVAC services designed to improve comfort and lower costs.
Whether it’s time for a seasonal tune-up, an energy audit, or a complete system upgrade, our experienced technicians are ready to provide the support and solutions you need. Let us help you stay cool and confident all summer long—without paying more than you should.
Reach out to Custom Air Systems today and take the first step toward better comfort and lower bills.
