Why Is My Energy Bill So High This Summer in Memphis?
If your MLGW bill suddenly jumped this summer, you’re not imagining it.
In Memphis, high energy bills during peak heat are common—but when your costs spike higher than expected, your HVAC system is usually the reason.
Your air conditioner is the biggest energy user in your home, and when something isn’t working right, it doesn’t just affect comfort—it hits your wallet hard.
Why Energy Bills Spike in Memphis Summers
Memphis heat isn’t just hot—it’s humid.
That means your AC system is doing two jobs at once:
- Cooling the air
- Removing moisture
When humidity is high, your system runs longer cycles to keep your home comfortable. If anything is off, it has to work even harder, which drives energy costs up fast.
The Most Common Reasons Your Energy Bill Is High
If your bill is climbing, one (or more) of these issues is usually behind it.
Dirty Coils
Your AC coils transfer heat out of your home. When they’re covered in dirt and debris, they can’t do that efficiently.
Result: your system runs longer and uses more electricity.
Low Refrigerant
Low refrigerant means your system can’t properly absorb heat.
This leads to:
- Longer run times
- Poor cooling performance
- Higher energy usage
Low refrigerant almost always points to a leak, not just normal loss.
Poor Insulation
If your home isn’t well insulated, cool air escapes and heat gets in.
Your AC ends up running nonstop trying to keep up.
Air Leaks in Ductwork
Leaky ducts can waste a large portion of your cooled air before it even reaches your rooms.
That means your system has to work harder just to maintain temperature.
Aging HVAC Equipment
Older systems lose efficiency over time.
Even if they’re still running, they use more energy to produce the same level of cooling as a newer system.
Thermostat Issues or Constant Cycling
If your thermostat is miscalibrated or your system is constantly cycling on and off, it creates inefficient operation.
That stop-and-start behavior increases energy consumption and wears your system down faster.
The Hidden Factor: Humidity
This is what most homeowners overlook.
Your AC isn’t just cooling air—it’s pulling moisture out of it.
If your home still feels sticky or humid, your system is likely struggling to keep up. That leads to:
- Longer run times
- Higher energy usage
- Less comfort overall
In Memphis, humidity alone can drive up your bill even if temperatures stay the same.
Signs Your AC Is Wasting Energy
If you notice any of these, your system is likely costing you more than it should:
- AC running constantly with little temperature change
- Uneven cooling throughout the house
- Sticky or humid indoor air
- Sudden spike in energy bills
- System turning on and off frequently
These are early warning signs that something isn’t working efficiently.
What You Can Do Right Now
Before calling for service, there are a few things you can check:
- Replace your air filter if it’s dirty
- Make sure vents are open and not blocked
- Check thermostat settings
- Look for obvious airflow issues
If the problem continues, it’s time to bring in a professional.
Why a Professional Evaluation Matters
High energy bills are usually a symptom—not the root problem.
A proper HVAC inspection can:
- Identify inefficiencies
- Catch small issues early
- Improve system performance
- Reduce your monthly energy costs
Trying to guess the problem often leads to wasted money and bigger repairs later.
Lower Your Energy Bills with Help from MSS
If your energy bill is climbing and your AC is running nonstop, it’s time to get answers.
Mechanical Service Solutions provides professional HVAC diagnostics and repairs across Memphis, helping homeowners fix efficiency issues and lower energy costs.
Call (901) 317-6369 to schedule an AC evaluation and find out what’s driving your bill up.
Don’t keep paying for an inefficient system—get it fixed and start saving.