All-time summer season heat records keep giving in the weight of increasing global temps-- a trend that strikes home, literally and figuratively, when you get your monthly cooling expense. Mistakes you're making with your home Air Conditioning might be undercutting its efficiency, efficiency, and security, experts state.
If you have a terribly maintained system, it can end up being polluted with microorganisms that may be hazardous if inhaled. Typical symptoms are asthma issues and allergies.
Here are eight https://ac-repair-mississauga.ca of the most common errors people make when it pertains to home Air Conditioner, and some easy modifications that can save your lungs and wallet.
# 1. You Aren't Altering or Cleaning Your AC Filters
At a minimum, you must be changing the filter on your main Air Conditioning system as soon as every three months-- and as typically as when a month if your system is running all the time.
Disregard this chore, and an unclean filter can result in 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 Structures at Purdue University. An unclean filter could include 5% to 15% to your Air Conditioning expense, 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 units, there ought to be a removable panel on your unit that will permit you to clean off the filter with a rag-- no replacement necessary.
# 2. You're Not Having Your System Serviced Every Year
You could search for online video tutorials about cleaning your Air Conditioner unit's coils and fins-- necessary upkeep operations that keep your system up and running efficiently. You could also bring in a pro to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy provides some pointers when looking for Air Conditioner service specialists.
# 3. You Don't Have a Programmable Thermostat
Perhaps you're one of those super-humans who always keeps in mind to adjust the thermostat prior to leaving the house. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds on your annual A/C costs by immediately raising the temp at those times of day when you're at work or away from house. More recent phone-controllable "wise" thermostats make programs even simpler.
# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low
Research reveals the human body can adjusting to hot or cool temperatures quite quickly-- like within a week or 2. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your Air Conditioner expense for each degree you raise the temperature level-- not to mention the prospective ecological benefits of lowering your Air Conditioning use-- it deserves sweating through that modification period and setting your thermostat someplace in the high 70s (or higher if you can manage it).
# 5. You're Not Maximizing Fans
Any type of fan, however specifically ceiling fans, can help keep cool air circulating throughout your house. That eliminates some of the concern from your AC system. Just make certain your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summer, which promotes greater air flow.
# 6. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Inadequately Positioned
If the sun or a neighboring lamp blasts your thermostat for huge chunks of the day, that could shake off its readings and cause it to crank your Air Conditioning even though your location is pleasantly cool. Especially if you're away throughout the day, you may not realize your system is working overtime due to a misplaced thermostat.
Blocking AC vents with furniture or curtains can also restrict air blood circulation. Unless you spend a lot of time gathered under your sofa, you'll wish to make certain your AC vents are unobstructed.
# 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces
If A/C vents are open in every space of your home, you're cooling a lot of realty that may not be in usage on an everyday basis. Walk around and close those Air Conditioning vents that open onto empty rooms. Closing closet doors makes sure 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 sliding drapes to block the sun's rays, you'll also shield your area from the sun's heat, specialists state.