8 Big Mistakes You're Making With Your A/C Unit

Posted by Freyer on April 1st, 2021

All-time summer heat records keep buckling under the weight of increasing worldwide temperatures-- a pattern that strikes house, actually and figuratively, when you receive your month-to-month air conditioning expense. Errors you're making with your house Air Conditioning may be damaging its performance, effectiveness, and safety, specialists state.

If you have a badly kept system, it can become infected with microbes that might be hazardous if inhaled. Common symptoms are asthma issues and allergic reactions.

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

# 1. You Aren't Changing or Cleaning Your Air Conditioner Filters

At a air conditioning contractors edmonton minimum, you should be changing the filter on your main Air Conditioner unit once every 3 months-- and as frequently as when a month if your system is running all the time.

Disregard this chore, and a filthy filter can cause poor air circulation or freezing up of your unit's evaporator coil, says James Braun, a professor of engineering and director of the Center for High Performance Structures at Purdue University. An unclean filter might include 5% to 15% to your A/C bill, and will reduce the life expectancy of your entire system. Fortunately, replacement filters are quite low-cost-- generally less than .

If you have ductless "split" Air Conditioner systems, there ought to be a detachable panel on your system that will enable you to wipe off the filter with a rag-- no replacement necessary.

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

You could look up online video tutorials about cleaning your A/C system's coils and fins-- essential upkeep operations that keep your system up and running efficiently. You could likewise bring in a pro to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy offers some pointers when looking for Air Conditioner service contractors.

# 3. You Don't Have a Programmable Thermostat

Maybe you are among those super-humans who constantly remembers to change the thermostat prior to leaving your house. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can conserve you hundreds on your yearly Air Conditioner expense by automatically raising the temp at those times of day when you're at work or away from home. More recent phone-controllable "clever" thermostats make shows even simpler.

# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

Research study shows the human body is capable of adapting to hot or cool temperatures pretty rapidly-- like within a week or more. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your Air Conditioner bill for every degree you raise the temperature-- not to discuss the prospective ecological advantages of reducing your Air Conditioning usage-- it deserves sweating through that adjustment period and setting your thermostat somewhere in the high 70s (or higher if you can manage it).

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

Any type of fan, but specifically ceiling fans, can help keep one's cool air circulating throughout your home. That removes some of the burden from your AC system. Just make certain your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summer season, which promotes higher air flow.

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

If the sun or a neighboring lamp blasts your thermostat for huge chunks of the day, that might shake off its readings and cause it to crank your Air Conditioner despite the fact that your place is pleasantly cool. Especially if you're away throughout the day, you might not understand your system is working overtime due to a misplaced thermostat.

Obstructing Air Conditioning vents with furniture or curtains can likewise restrict air flow. Unless you spend a great deal of time gathered under your couch, you'll wish to make certain your Air Conditioning vents are unblocked.

# 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces

If Air Conditioning vents are open in every space of your home, you're chilling a great deal of genuine estate that might not be in usage on a daily basis. Stroll around and close those Air Conditioning vents that open onto vacant rooms. Also, closing closet doors guarantees those areas aren't swallowing your cold air.

# 8. You Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains

Brilliant sunlight is your A/C system's nemesis. By closing blinds and sliding curtains to block the sun's rays, you'll also shield your space from the sun's heat, specialists say.