8 Huge Errors You're Making With Your Home Air Conditioner

Posted by Janita on April 7th, 2021

All-time summer heat records keep buckling under the weight of increasing global temps-- a pattern that hits house, literally and figuratively, when you get your regular monthly air conditioning costs. Errors you're making with your house AC might be damaging its effectiveness, efficiency, and security, professionals say.

If you have a terribly maintained system, it can become polluted with bacteria that might be hazardous if breathed in. Typical symptoms are asthma problems and allergies.

Here are 8 of the most typical mistakes individuals make when it comes to home Air Conditioner, and some simple adjustments that can save your lungs and wallet.

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

At a minimum, you ought to be altering the filter on your central Air Conditioner system once every 3 months-- and as frequently as when a month if your system is running all the time.

Overlook this chore, and a dirty filter can lead to bad air circulation or freezing up of your system's evaporator coil, says James Braun, a teacher of engineering and director of the Center for High Efficiency Structures at Purdue University. A dirty filter could add 5% to 15% to your Air Conditioning bill, and will reduce the life expectancy of your whole system. Replacement filters are pretty cheap-- generally less than .

If you have ductless "split" A/C systems, there need to be a removable panel on your unit that will permit you to clean off the filter with a rag-- no replacement required.

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

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

# 3. You Do not Have a Programmable Thermostat

Possibly you are among those super-humans who always keeps in mind to change the thermostat before leaving your house. However if you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can conserve you hundreds on your annual AC costs by instantly raising the temp at those times of day when you're at work or far from house. More recent phone-controllable "clever" thermostats make shows even easier.

# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

Research study reveals the human body is capable of adjusting to hot or cool temperatures quite rapidly-- like within a week or more. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your AC expense for each degree you raise the temperature-- not to point out the possible environmental benefits of decreasing your AC usage-- it deserves sweating through that change duration and setting your thermostat someplace in the high 70s (or greater if you can manage it).

# 5. You're Not Maximizing Fans

Any type of fan, however especially ceiling fans, can assist keep one's cool air circulating throughout your home. That gets rid of some of the concern from your Air Conditioning system. Simply be sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summer season, which promotes greater air flow.

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

If the sun or a neighboring lamp blasts your thermostat for huge portions of the day, that might shake off its readings and trigger it to crank your A/C even though your location is happily cool. Especially if you're away throughout the day, you might not realize your system is working overtime due to a lost thermostat.

Obstructing A/C vents with furnishings or drapes can also restrict air flow. Unless you invest a great deal of time gathered under your sofa, you'll wish to make sure your Air Conditioning vents are unblocked.

# 7. You're Cooling Empty Rooms

If Air Conditioning vents are open in every room of your house, you're cooling a great deal of realty that might not remain in usage on an everyday basis. Walk around and close those Air Conditioning vents that open onto empty spaces. Closing closet doors ensures those spaces aren't swallowing your cold air.

# 8. You Do not Have Blinds Or Curtains

Bright sunshine is your Air Conditioner system's bane. By closing blinds and sliding drapes to obstruct the sun's https://ac-repair-mississauga.ca rays, you'll also shield your space from the sun's heat, professionals say.