Eight Big Errors You're Making With Your Home AC Unit

Posted by Delaine on April 30th, 2021

All-time summer heat records keep giving in the weight of rising worldwide temps-- a pattern that strikes house, literally and figuratively, when you get your monthly a/c costs. Errors you're making with your home A/C might be undercutting its effectiveness, efficiency, and security, experts state.

If you have a badly kept system, it can end up being contaminated with microbes that may be harmful if inhaled. Typical symptoms are asthma issues and allergies.

Here are 8 of the most typical mistakes people make when it concerns house AC, and some easy changes that can conserve your lungs and wallet.

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

At a minimum, you need to be changing the filter on your central AC system once every three months-- and as frequently as once a month if your system is running all the time.

Neglect this task, and a dirty filter can result in poor air flow or freezing up of your unit's evaporator coil, says 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 A/C expense, and will reduce the lifespan of your whole system. Fortunately, replacement filters are pretty low-cost-- normally less than .

If you have ductless "split" AC systems, there must be a removable panel on your system that will enable you to rub out the filter with a rag-- no replacement necessary.

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

You might look up online video tutorials about cleaning your Air Conditioning system's coils and fins-- required maintenance operations that keep your air conditioning service toronto 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 provides some pointers when searching for Air Conditioning service contractors.

# 3. You Don't Have a Programmable Thermostat

Maybe you're one of those super-humans who constantly remembers to adjust the thermostat prior to leaving the house. But if you resemble the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds on your annual Air Conditioning costs by immediately raising the temperature at those times of day when you're at work or away from house. More recent phone-controllable "smart" thermostats make programming even simpler.

# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

Research shows the 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 costs for every single degree you raise the temperature level-- not to discuss the potential ecological advantages of lowering your Air Conditioning use-- 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 Taking Complete Advantage of Fans

Any kind of fan, but specifically ceiling fans, can help keep one's cool air circulating throughout your home. That removes a few of the concern from your AC system. Just make sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise throughout the summer season, which promotes higher air flow.

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

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

Obstructing Air Conditioning vents with furniture or drapes can likewise restrict air blood circulation. Unless you spend a great deal of time huddled under your sofa, you'll wish to make certain your Air Conditioning vents are unblocked.

# 7. You're Cooling Empty Rooms

If AC vents are open in every space of your house, you're chilling a great deal of property that may not be in use on a day-to-day basis. Walk and close those Air Conditioner vents that open onto vacant spaces. Closing closet doors guarantees those spaces aren't swallowing your cold air.

# 8. You Do not Have Blinds Or Curtains

Bright sunlight is your A/C system's nemesis. 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.