Eight Huge Errors You're Making With Your A/C

Posted by Jiles on April 1st, 2021

All-time summer season heat records keep buckling under the weight of rising international temps-- a pattern that hits home, actually and figuratively, when you get your month-to-month a/c costs. Regrettably, mistakes you're making with your home A/C may be undercutting its performance, effectiveness, and security, specialists say.

If you have a severely maintained system, it can end up being infected with bacteria that might be hazardous if inhaled. Common signs are asthma issues and allergies.

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

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

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

Overlook this task, and an unclean filter can cause poor air circulation 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 could include 5% to 15% to your Air Conditioning bill, and will shorten the life expectancy of your entire system. 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 allow you to clean off the filter with a rag-- no replacement essential.

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

You could look up online video tutorials about cleaning your A/C unit's coils and fins-- essential upkeep operations that keep your system up and running effectively. You could also bring in a professional to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy provides some ideas when browsing for Air Conditioner service air conditioning edmonton ab specialists.

# 3. You Don't Have a Programmable Thermostat

Maybe you're one of those super-humans who always keeps in mind to change the thermostat prior to leaving your home. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can conserve you hundreds on your annual A/C expense by automatically raising the temperature at those times of day when you're at work or away from home. Newer phone-controllable "clever" thermostats make programming even easier.

# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

Research shows the human body can 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 A/C costs for each degree you raise the temperature level-- not to point out the possible environmental advantages of lowering your A/C use-- it deserves sweating through that adjustment period and setting your thermostat somewhere in the high 70s (or greater if you can manage it).

# 5. You're Not Maximizing Fans

Any kind of fan, however especially ceiling fans, can assist keep cool air circulating throughout your house. That gets rid of a few of the concern from your Air Conditioning system. Just be sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during 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 big portions of the day, that might toss off its readings and cause it to crank your AC although your location is pleasantly cool. Especially 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 furnishings or curtains can likewise restrict air flow. Unless you spend a great deal of time gathered under your couch, you'll wish to make sure your Air Conditioning vents are unblocked.

# 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces

If Air Conditioning vents are open in every room of your home, you're cooling a great deal of realty that might not be in use on a day-to-day basis. Walk around and close those AC vents that open onto vacant spaces. Closing closet doors ensures those spaces aren't swallowing your cold air.

# 8. You Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains

Bright sunlight is your AC system's nemesis. By closing blinds and moving drapes to obstruct the sun's rays, you'll also protect your area from the sun's heat, professionals state.