8 Big Mistakes You're Making With Your Home AC

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All-time summertime heat records keep buckling under the weight of rising global temps-- a pattern that hits home, actually and figuratively, when you get your regular monthly cooling bill. Unfortunately, mistakes you're making with your house A/C might be damaging its efficiency, effectiveness, and safety, experts say.

If you have a severely kept system, it can become contaminated with microorganisms that might be hazardous if inhaled. Common signs are asthma problems and allergies.

Here are eight of the most typical mistakes individuals make when it concerns home Air Conditioning, and some simple adjustments 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 AC system once every three months-- and as typically as when a month if your system is running all the time.

Neglect this chore, and an unclean filter can result in poor air flow or freezing up of your unit's evaporator coil, states James Braun, a professor of engineering and director of the Center for High Efficiency Structures at Purdue University. A dirty filter might include 5% to 15% to your Air Conditioning expense, and will reduce the life-span of your entire system. Replacement filters are quite cheap-- generally less than $10.

If you have ductless "split" A/C units, there ought to be a detachable panel on your unit that will enable you to wipe off the filter with a rag-- no replacement required.

# 2. You're Not Having Your System Serviced Every Year

You might look up online video tutorials about cleaning your Air Conditioner unit's coils and fins-- needed 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 ideas when searching for Air Conditioning service specialists.

# 3. You Do not Have a Programmable Thermostat

Possibly you are among those super-humans who always remembers to change the thermostat before leaving your home. But if you resemble the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can conserve you hundreds on your annual A/C bill by instantly raising the temp at those times of day when you're at work or far from house. More recent phone-controllable "clever" thermostats make programming even easier.

# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

Research reveals the body is capable of adjusting to hot or cool temperatures pretty rapidly-- like within a week or 2. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your AC costs for each degree you raise the temperature level-- not to discuss the potential environmental advantages of reducing your Air Conditioner use-- it's worth sweating through that adjustment period and setting your thermostat someplace in the high 70s (or greater if you can handle it).

# 5. You're Not Taking Complete Advantage of Fans

Any type of fan, however specifically ceiling fans, can help keep one's cool air circulating throughout your house. That eliminates some of the concern from your AC system. Just make sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise throughout the summer, which promotes higher air flow.

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

If the sun or a neighboring light blasts your thermostat for big chunks of the day, that could shake off its readings and cause it to crank your Air Conditioning even though your place is happily cool. Particularly if you're away during the day, you may not understand your system is working overtime due to a lost thermostat.

Blocking A/C vents with furniture or https://ac-repair-mississauga.ca curtains can likewise restrict air circulation. Unless you invest a lot of time gathered under your couch, you'll desire to be sure your AC vents are unblocked.

# 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces

If Air Conditioning vents are open in every room of your house, you're chilling a lot of property that may not be in usage on an everyday basis. Walk around and close those AC vents that open onto unoccupied spaces. Likewise, closing closet doors ensures those areas aren't swallowing your cold air.

# 8. You Do not Have Blinds Or Curtains

Bright sunshine is your Air Conditioner system's bane. By closing blinds and moving curtains to obstruct the sun's rays, you'll also protect your area from the sun's heat, professionals state.

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