Eight Big Mistakes You're Making With Your AC System

Posted by Kilby on July 17th, 2021

All-time summertime heat records keep giving in the weight of rising worldwide temperatures-- a trend that hits home, literally and figuratively, when you get your month-to-month cooling bill. Errors you're making with your home Air Conditioning may be damaging its effectiveness, effectiveness, and security, professionals say.

If you have a terribly maintained system, it can become contaminated with bacteria that may be damaging if breathed in. Common symptoms are asthma problems and allergies.

Here are eight of the most typical mistakes people make when it comes to house Air Conditioning, and some simple modifications that can save your lungs and wallet.

# 1. You Aren't Changing or Cleaning Your A/C Filters

At a minimum, you ought to be altering the filter on your central A/C system when every three months-- and as frequently as once a month if your system is running all the time.

Neglect this chore, and a dirty filter can cause poor air circulation or freezing up of your system's evaporator coil, says James Braun, a teacher of engineering and director of the Center for High Efficiency Buildings at Purdue University. An unclean filter might add 5% to 15% to your AC expense, and will shorten the lifespan of your whole system. Replacement filters are pretty inexpensive-- generally less than .

If you have ductless "split" Air Conditioning units, there need to be a detachable panel on your unit that will enable you to wipe off the filter with a rag-- no replacement essential.

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

You could search for online video tutorials about cleaning your http://www.bayviewcoldbay.com A/C system's coils and fins-- essential upkeep operations that keep your system up and running effectively. You might likewise generate a professional to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy uses some tips when searching for Air Conditioner service professionals.

# 3. You Don't Have a Programmable Thermostat

Maybe you're one of those super-humans who always keeps in mind to adjust the thermostat before leaving your house. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds on your yearly AC bill by automatically raising the temp at those times of day when you're at work or away from home. Newer phone-controllable "clever" thermostats make programs even easier.

# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

Research reveals the body can adjusting to hot or cool temperature levels quite rapidly-- like within a week or two. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your Air Conditioner bill for every single degree you raise the temperature-- not to discuss the possible ecological advantages of decreasing your Air Conditioner usage-- it's worth sweating through that adjustment period and setting your thermostat somewhere in the high 70s (or greater if you can handle it).

# 5. You're Not Making The Most Of Fans

Any type of fan, but especially ceiling fans, can help keep cool air distributing throughout your house. That removes some of the concern from your A/C system. Simply be sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summer, which promotes greater air circulation.

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

If the sun or a close-by lamp blasts your thermostat for huge chunks of the day, that might toss off its readings and trigger it to crank your A/C despite the fact that your place is happily cool. Particularly if you're away throughout the day, you may not understand your system is working overtime due to a lost thermostat.

Obstructing Air Conditioner vents with furniture or curtains can also limit air flow. Unless you spend a lot of time huddled under your sofa, you'll wish to be sure your Air Conditioning vents are unobstructed.

# 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces

If AC vents are open in every space of your home, you're chilling a lot of realty that may not be in use on an everyday basis. Walk and close those AC vents that open onto unoccupied rooms. Closing closet doors guarantees those spaces aren't swallowing your cold air.

# 8. You Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains

Intense sunlight is your Air Conditioning system's bane. By closing blinds and moving curtains to obstruct the sun's rays, you'll likewise shield your space from the sun's heat, specialists state.