8 Big Errors You're Making With Your A/C Unit

Posted by Tressa on April 1st, 2021

All-time summer season heat records keep giving in the weight of increasing worldwide temps-- a pattern that hits house, literally and figuratively, when you receive your monthly cooling expense. Mistakes you're making with your house Air Conditioner might be undercutting its effectiveness, effectiveness, and security, experts say.

If you have a badly maintained system, it can end up being polluted with bacteria that may be hazardous if breathed in. Typical signs are asthma issues and allergic reactions.

Here are eight of the most typical mistakes people make when it comes to house A/C, and some simple changes that can conserve your lungs and wallet.

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

At a minimum, you ought to be altering the filter on your main A/C system as soon as every 3 months-- and as typically as once a month if your system is running all the time.

Disregard this task, and an unclean filter can result in bad 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 Performance Structures at Purdue University. A filthy filter could include 5% to 15% to your Air Conditioner bill, and will shorten the life expectancy of your entire system. Replacement filters are quite inexpensive-- generally less than .

If you have ductless "split" Air Conditioning systems, there need to be a detachable panel on your unit that will allow you to clean off the filter with a rag-- no replacement necessary.

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

You might look up online video tutorials about cleaning your Air Conditioner 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 uses some suggestions when looking for AC service contractors.

# 3. You Do not Have a Programmable Thermostat

Possibly you're one of those super-humans who always keeps in mind to change the thermostat before leaving the house. However if you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds on your annual AC expense by instantly raising the temperature at those times of day when you're at work or away from house. More recent phone-controllable "smart" thermostats make programs even simpler.

# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

Research shows the body can adapting to hot air conditioning installation edmonton or cool temperatures quite quickly-- like within a week or more. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your AC costs for each degree you raise the temperature level-- not to mention the possible environmental benefits of reducing your A/C use-- it's worth sweating through that modification duration and setting your thermostat someplace 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 especially ceiling fans, can assist keep cool air circulating throughout your house. That eliminates some of the problem from your Air Conditioning system. Simply make sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summer season, which promotes greater air flow.

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

If the sun or a neighboring lamp blasts your thermostat for big portions of the day, that might shake off its readings and cause it to crank your Air Conditioning despite the fact that your location is pleasantly cool. Especially if you're away during the day, you might not recognize your system is working overtime due to a lost thermostat.

Obstructing Air Conditioning vents with furniture or curtains can likewise restrict air blood circulation. Unless you spend a great deal of time gathered under your sofa, you'll wish to be sure your Air Conditioner vents are unobstructed.

# 7. You're Cooling Empty Rooms

If Air Conditioner vents are open in every room of your house, you're chilling a great deal of realty that may not remain in usage on a daily basis. Walk and close those Air Conditioner vents that open onto vacant rooms. Likewise, closing closet doors ensures those areas aren't swallowing your cold air.

# 8. You Do not Have Blinds Or Curtains

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