Eight Big Mistakes You're Making With Your Air Conditioning Unit

Posted by Cline on April 3rd, 2021

All-time summer season heat records keep buckling under the weight of increasing international temps-- a pattern that hits house, literally and figuratively, when you receive your monthly a/c expense. Errors you're making with your home Air Conditioning might be damaging its effectiveness, effectiveness, and safety, professionals say.

If you have a badly kept system, it can become infected with microbes that may be hazardous if breathed in. Common signs are asthma issues and allergies.

Here are eight of the most typical mistakes individuals make when it pertains to home Air Conditioning, and some basic changes that can save your lungs and wallet.

# 1. You Aren't Altering or Cleaning Your AC Filters

At a minimum, you should be changing the filter on your central A/C system as soon as every 3 months-- and as often as once a month if your system is running all the time.

Overlook this task, and a filthy filter can lead to poor air flow or freezing up of your system's evaporator coil, states James Braun, a professor of engineering and director of the Center for High Efficiency Buildings at Purdue University. A dirty filter might add 5% to 15% to your AC costs, and will reduce the life expectancy of your whole system. Replacement filters are quite cheap-- normally less than .

If you air conditioners edmonton alberta have ductless "split" A/C systems, there need to be a removable panel on your system that will permit you to rub out the filter with a rag-- no replacement necessary.

# 2. You're Not Having Your System Serviced Every Year

You might look up online video tutorials about cleaning your A/C unit's coils and fins-- essential upkeep operations that keep your system up and running effectively. You might also bring in a pro to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy offers some ideas when looking for A/C service specialists.

# 3. You Don't Have a Programmable Thermostat

Perhaps you are among those super-humans who always remembers to change the thermostat prior to leaving the house. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can conserve you hundreds on your annual Air Conditioning expense by immediately raising the temperature at those times of day when you're at work or away from home. Newer phone-controllable "smart" thermostats make shows even easier.

# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

Research shows the body is capable of adapting to hot or cool temperature levels quite rapidly-- like within a week or two. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your Air Conditioner expense for every single degree you raise the temperature level-- not to point out the potential ecological benefits of reducing your Air Conditioner usage-- it's worth sweating through that change duration and setting your thermostat somewhere in the high 70s (or higher if you can handle it).

# 5. You're Not Taking Full Advantage of Fans

Any kind of fan, however particularly ceiling fans, can assist keep cool air distributing throughout your home. That removes a few of the problem from your A/C system. Just make sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise throughout the summertime, which promotes higher air flow.

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

If the sun or a nearby light blasts your thermostat for big portions of the day, that might toss off its readings and cause it to crank your Air Conditioner despite the fact that your location is pleasantly cool. Especially if you're away throughout the day, you might not understand your system is working overtime due to a lost thermostat.

Blocking A/C vents with furniture or drapes can likewise limit air flow. Unless you spend a great deal of time huddled under your sofa, you'll desire to make certain your Air Conditioning vents are unblocked.

# 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces

If Air Conditioning vents are open in every room of your house, you're cooling a great deal of genuine estate that might not be in use on an everyday basis. Walk around and close those A/C vents that open onto empty rooms. Also, closing closet doors ensures those spaces aren't swallowing your cold air.

# 8. You Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains

Bright sunlight is your Air Conditioning system's bane. By closing blinds and moving curtains to block the sun's rays, you'll likewise protect your area from the sun's heat, specialists state.