Eight Big Mistakes You're Making With Your Home AC

Posted by Maclean on April 1st, 2021

All-time summer heat records keep giving in the weight of rising global temps-- a trend that hits home, literally and figuratively, when you receive your regular monthly a/c costs. Sadly, mistakes you're making with your house Air Conditioner might be undercutting its effectiveness, effectiveness, and safety, professionals say.

If you have a severely maintained system, it can end up being contaminated with bacteria that might be damaging if inhaled. Common signs are asthma problems and allergies.

Here are 8 of the most common mistakes people make when it concerns house A/C, and some simple modifications that can save your lungs and wallet.

# 1. You Aren't Altering or Cleaning Your A/C Filters

At a minimum, you should be altering the filter on your main AC system as soon as every three months-- and as frequently as once a month if your system is running all the time.

Neglect this chore, and a filthy filter can lead to poor air circulation or freezing up of your system's evaporator coil, states James Braun, a teacher of engineering and director of the Center for High Performance Structures at Purdue University. An unclean filter might include 5% to 15% to your AC bill, and will shorten the lifespan of your whole system. Replacement filters are pretty cheap-- usually less than .

If you have ductless "split" Air Conditioner systems, there must be a removable panel on your unit that will permit you to clean off the filter with a rag-- no replacement essential.

# 2. You're Not Having Your System Serviced Annually

You might search for online video tutorials about cleaning your Air Conditioning unit's coils and fins-- needed upkeep operations that keep your system up and running efficiently. You could likewise bring in a professional to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy uses some pointers when looking for Air Conditioner service contractors.

# 3. You Do not Have a Programmable Thermostat

Perhaps you are among those super-humans who always keeps in mind to adjust the thermostat prior to leaving your house. But if you resemble the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can conserve you hundreds on your annual AC bill by automatically raising the temp at those times of day when you're at work or away from house. Newer phone-controllable "clever" thermostats make shows even easier.

# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

Research study reveals the body can adapting to hot or cool temperatures quite rapidly-- like within a week or more. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your A/C bill for every degree you raise the temperature level-- not to point out the possible ecological advantages of decreasing your Air Conditioning usage-- it deserves sweating through that adjustment period and setting your thermostat someplace in the high 70s (or greater if you can manage it).

# 5. You're Not Making The Most Of Fans

Any type of fan, but particularly ceiling fans, can help keep one's cool air distributing throughout your house. That eliminates some of the burden from your Air Conditioning system. Simply make sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise throughout the summer, which promotes higher air flow.

# 6. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Badly Positioned

If the sun or a neighboring lamp blasts your thermostat for big chunks of the day, that could shake off its readings and cause it to crank your Air Conditioning even though your place is pleasantly cool. Especially if you're away throughout the day, you may not recognize your system is working overtime due to a lost thermostat.

Blocking AC vents with furnishings or curtains can also restrict air flow. Unless you spend a lot of time gathered under your sofa, you'll wish to make sure your Air air conditioning contractors edmonton Conditioning vents are unobstructed.

# 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces

If Air Conditioning vents are open in every space of your house, you're chilling a lot of property that may not be in usage on an everyday basis. Walk and close those Air Conditioning vents that open onto vacant rooms. Closing closet doors makes sure those spaces aren't swallowing your cold air.

# 8. You Do not Have Blinds Or Curtains

Brilliant sunlight is your Air Conditioner system's bane. By closing blinds and moving curtains to block the sun's rays, you'll also protect your area from the sun's heat, experts state.