It can be very discouraging when you begin to receive heating and cooling bills that are much higher than expected.  When the upward climb continues, one begins to ask questions.  Unfortunately, we have found, throughout the years, that those questions asked aren’t always the right ones.  For instance, the higher utility bills might prompt a person to ask about having a new system installed, or about switching from one fuel source to another.

However, these questions will often cost the building owner much more than he or she really needs to spend.  Asking the right questions can change the financial burden significantly.  Why is this air handling system not working as it should?  Or, would it be possible to replace a single component rather than the whole system?  Or, why were we spending as much on cooling in April as we were in August?  These questions might provide better, financially superior answers.

The search for the problem should likely begin with the outdoor air sensor.  This component is responsible for using outdoor air conditions, in coming air conditions, to determine how the system runs.  If the high temperatures in April are in 60s and 70s and temperatures in August are in the 90s and 100s, then obviously, the system should be working harder in August.  However, if the outdoor air sensor is not functioning properly, the system may be receiving faulty signals, thereby explaining the increased utility bills and the inconsistencies in usage.

The outdoor air temperature sensor, like the Ultra Electronics model, is very important for proper system operation.  The readings of that sensor can make or break the performance of your heating and cooling.  So, rather than asking about changing fuel sources, or asking about having a new system installed, consider first what components can be changed out in order to improve efficiency.