8 Huge Mistakes You're Making With Your AC System

Posted by Valencia on April 28th, 2021

All-time summertime heat records keep buckling under the weight of rising worldwide temps-- a pattern that strikes home, literally and figuratively, when you receive your regular monthly air conditioning costs. Sadly, mistakes you're making with your home Air Conditioning might be undercutting its efficiency, effectiveness, and security, experts state.

If you have a severely kept system, it can end up being contaminated with microorganisms that may be damaging if inhaled. Typical symptoms are asthma problems and allergies.

Here are eight of the most typical mistakes individuals make when it concerns house Air Conditioner, and some simple changes that can save your lungs and wallet.

# 1. You Aren't Changing or Cleaning Your AC Filters

At a minimum, you must be changing the filter on your central Air Conditioner unit as soon as 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 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 Performance Structures at Purdue University. A dirty filter could add 5% to 15% to your A/C bill, and will shorten the life-span of your whole system. Replacement filters are pretty low-cost-- normally less than .

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

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

You could search for online video tutorials about cleaning your A/C system's coils and fins-- needed upkeep operations that keep your system up and running efficiently. You might likewise bring in a professional to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy provides some ideas when searching for Air Conditioner service professionals.

# 3. You Do not Have a Programmable Thermostat

Possibly you're one of those super-humans who constantly remembers to change the thermostat before leaving your home. But if you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can conserve you hundreds on your yearly A/C expense by instantly raising air conditioning repair toronto the temp at those times of day when you're at work or far from home. Newer phone-controllable "smart" thermostats make programs even easier.

# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

Research study reveals the body can adapting to hot or cool temperatures pretty rapidly-- like within a week or 2. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your Air Conditioning costs for every single degree you raise the temperature level-- not to point out the prospective environmental benefits of decreasing your AC use-- it's worth sweating through that modification 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, but specifically ceiling fans, can help keep cool air flowing throughout your house. That gets rid of a few of the concern from your AC system. Simply make certain your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summer, which promotes higher air circulation.

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

If the sun or a close-by lamp blasts your thermostat for big pieces of the day, that could toss off its readings and cause it to crank your Air Conditioning although your place is happily cool. Specifically if you're away throughout the day, you may not realize your system is working overtime due to a misplaced thermostat.

Blocking Air Conditioning vents with furnishings or drapes can also limit air circulation. Unless you spend a lot of time gathered under your couch, you'll want to make certain your Air Conditioning vents are unobstructed.

# 7. You're Cooling Empty Rooms

If Air Conditioner vents are open in every room of your home, you're cooling a great deal of property that may not be in use on an everyday basis. Walk and close those AC vents that open onto empty spaces. Closing closet doors ensures those areas aren't swallowing your cold air.

# 8. You Do not Have Blinds Or Curtains

Brilliant sunshine is your A/C system's bane. By closing blinds and moving drapes to block the sun's rays, you'll likewise shield your area from the sun's heat, experts state.