Eight Big Mistakes You're Making With Your Home AC

Posted by Neta on June 29th, 2021

All-time summer heat records keep buckling under the weight of rising international temperatures-- a trend that hits house, literally and figuratively, when you get your regular monthly a/c bill. Regrettably, mistakes you're making with your house A/C might be damaging its performance, efficiency, and security, specialists state.

If you have a badly kept system, it can become infected with bacteria that may be hazardous if inhaled. Typical signs are asthma problems and allergies.

Here are eight of the most typical mistakes people make when it comes to home AC, and some basic adjustments that can conserve your lungs and wallet.

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

At a minimum, you ought to be altering the filter on your main Air Conditioner unit when every three months-- and as often as when a month if your system is running all the time.

Overlook this chore, and an unclean filter can cause bad air flow 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. An unclean filter might add 5% to 15% to your AC expense, and will reduce the lifespan of your entire system. Replacement filters are pretty cheap-- normally less than .

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

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

You might look up online video tutorials about cleaning your AC system's coils and fins-- required maintenance 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 provides some ideas when looking for A/C service specialists.

# 3. You Do not Have a Programmable Thermostat

Perhaps you are among those super-humans who constantly keeps in mind to adjust the thermostat before leaving your house. However if you're like the rest people, a programmable thermostat can conserve you hundreds on your annual A/C expense by automatically raising the temp at those times of day when you're at work or far from house. Newer phone-controllable "smart" thermostats make programs even easier.

# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

Research study shows the body is capable of adapting to hot or cool temperature levels quite quickly-- like within hvac repair edmonton a week or more. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your A/C costs for each degree you raise the temperature-- not to mention the potential ecological advantages of reducing your Air Conditioning usage-- it's worth sweating through that adjustment period and setting your thermostat someplace in the high 70s (or higher if you can handle it).

# 5. You're Not Taking Complete Benefit of Fans

Any kind of fan, however especially ceiling fans, can assist keep one's cool air flowing throughout your home. That eliminates some of the concern from your AC system. Just be sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summer season, which promotes higher air circulation.

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

If the sun or a nearby light blasts your thermostat for big pieces of the day, that could shake off its readings and trigger it to crank your Air Conditioning although your place is happily cool. Particularly if you're away throughout the day, you might not understand your system is working overtime due to a misplaced thermostat.

Obstructing AC vents with furniture or drapes can also restrict air blood circulation. Unless you spend a great deal of time huddled under your sofa, you'll wish to make sure your A/C vents are unblocked.

# 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces

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

# 8. You Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains

Intense sunshine is your AC system's nemesis. By closing blinds and moving drapes to block the sun's rays, you'll likewise shield your area from the sun's heat, professionals say.