8 Huge Mistakes You're Making With Your Air Conditioning Unit
All-time summer heat records keep buckling under the weight of increasing worldwide temperatures-- a pattern that hits house, literally and figuratively, when you get your monthly a/c costs. Errors you're making with your home AC might be undercutting its performance, effectiveness, and safety, specialists state.
If you have a badly maintained system, air conditioning prices it can become polluted with microorganisms that might be hazardous if inhaled. Typical signs are asthma issues and allergies.
Here are eight of the most typical mistakes people make when it pertains to house AC, and some basic modifications that can save your lungs and wallet.
# 1. You Aren't Altering or Cleaning Your A/C Filters
At a minimum, you must be changing the filter on your central A/C unit as soon as every three months-- and as frequently as once a month if your system is running all the time.
Overlook this chore, and a filthy filter can cause bad air circulation or freezing up of your unit's evaporator coil, states James Braun, a professor of engineering and director of the Center for High Performance Buildings at Purdue University. A filthy filter could add 5% to 15% to your AC bill, and will shorten the lifespan of your whole system. Replacement filters are quite low-cost-- generally less than $10.
If you have ductless "split" Air Conditioning systems, there need to be a detachable panel on your system that will allow you to rub out the filter with a rag-- no replacement required.
# 2. You're Not Having Your System Serviced Yearly
You might look up online video tutorials about cleaning your AC system's coils and fins-- necessary maintenance operations that keep your system up and running effectively. You could likewise bring in a pro to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy offers some suggestions when looking for Air Conditioner service professionals.
# 3. You Don't Have a Programmable Thermostat
Perhaps you're one of those super-humans who constantly keeps in mind to adjust the thermostat prior to leaving your house. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds on your yearly A/C costs by immediately raising the temp at those times of day when you're at work or away from home. Newer phone-controllable "wise" thermostats make programming even easier.
# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low
Research study reveals the body is capable of adjusting to hot or cool temperatures quite quickly-- like within a week or more. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your Air Conditioning costs for every degree you raise the temperature level-- not to discuss the potential ecological benefits of decreasing your AC usage-- it's worth sweating through that adjustment duration and setting your thermostat someplace in the high 70s (or greater if you can manage it).
# 5. You're Not Making The Most Of Fans
Any kind of fan, but especially ceiling fans, can assist keep cool air circulating throughout your house. That eliminates a few of the burden from your Air Conditioner system. Simply make certain your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise throughout the summer, which promotes higher air circulation.
# 6. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Inadequately Placed
If the sun or a nearby light blasts your thermostat for huge portions of the day, that might shake off its readings and trigger it to crank your A/C although your place is happily cool. Especially if you're away throughout the day, you might not understand your system https://ac-repair-mississauga.ca/contact-us/ is working overtime due to a lost thermostat.
Blocking A/C 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 make certain your Air Conditioner vents are unobstructed.
# 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces
If A/C vents are open in every space of your home, you're chilling a lot of realty that may not remain in usage on a daily basis. Stroll around and close those AC vents that open onto unoccupied rooms. Also, closing closet doors guarantees those spaces aren't swallowing your cold air.
# 8. You Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains
Bright sunshine is your A/C system's nemesis. By closing blinds and moving curtains to block the sun's rays, you'll likewise shield your area from the sun's heat, specialists say.