8 Huge Errors You're Making With Your Home AC

Posted by Schneiderman on June 29th, 2021

All-time summer season heat records keep giving in the weight of increasing global temperatures-- a pattern that strikes house, literally and figuratively, when you receive your regular monthly air conditioning expense. Mistakes you're making with your house AC may be damaging its performance, effectiveness, and safety, experts state.

If you have a badly maintained system, it can become polluted with microorganisms that may be damaging if inhaled. Common signs are asthma issues and allergic reactions.

Here are eight of the most common mistakes individuals 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 should be altering the filter on your central Air Conditioning unit when every three months-- and as typically as when a month if your system is running all the time.

Neglect this chore, and a dirty filter can cause 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 Structures at Purdue University. A filthy filter might include 5% to 15% to your Air Conditioner expense, and will shorten the life-span of your entire system. Fortunately, replacement filters are quite inexpensive-- typically less than .

If you have ductless "split" A/C systems, there should be a detachable panel on your unit that will permit you to rub out the filter with a rag-- no replacement necessary.

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

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

# 3. You Do not Have a Programmable Thermostat

Possibly you are among those super-humans who always remembers to change the thermostat prior to leaving your home. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds on your yearly A/C expense by immediately raising the temperature at those times of day when you're at work or away from home. More recent phone-controllable "clever" thermostats make programming even simpler.

# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

Research study shows the body is capable of adapting to hot or cool temperatures pretty quickly-- like within a week or 2. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your Air Conditioning expense for every single degree you raise the temperature level-- not to discuss the prospective ecological benefits of lowering your AC usage-- it deserves sweating through that modification period and setting your thermostat someplace in the high 70s (or higher if you can manage it).

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

Any type of fan, however especially ceiling fans, can help keep cool air circulating throughout your house. That gets rid of some of the burden from your Air Conditioning system. Simply be sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summertime, which promotes greater air circulation.

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

If the sun or a close-by light blasts your thermostat for huge portions of the day, that might throw off its readings and trigger it to crank your Air air conditioning repair edmonton ab Conditioner even though your location 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 A/C vents with furniture or drapes can likewise restrict air blood circulation. Unless you invest a lot of time huddled under your sofa, you'll wish to make certain your AC vents are unobstructed.

# 7. You're Cooling Empty Rooms

If A/C vents are open in every room of your home, you're chilling a great deal of realty that might not remain in use on a daily basis. Stroll around and close those AC vents that open onto vacant spaces. Closing closet doors makes sure those areas aren't swallowing your cold air.

# 8. You Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains

Intense sunlight is your AC system's bane. By closing blinds and sliding curtains to block the sun's rays, you'll likewise shield your space from the sun's heat, professionals state.