All-time summer heat records keep giving in the weight of increasing worldwide temperatures-- a trend that strikes home, actually and figuratively, when you receive your monthly air conditioning expense. Sadly, mistakes you're making with your home AC may be damaging its performance, effectiveness, and security, experts say.
If you have a severely kept system, it can end up being infected with microbes that may be harmful if inhaled. Common signs are asthma issues and allergies.
Here are eight of the most typical mistakes people make when it concerns house AC, and some simple modifications that can conserve your lungs and wallet.
# 1. You Aren't Changing or Cleaning Your Air Conditioner Filters
At a minimum, you need to be changing the filter on your central ac repair near me AC system when every three months-- and as frequently as when a month if your system is running all the time.
Disregard this task, and a filthy filter can result in poor air circulation or freezing up of your system's evaporator coil, states James Braun, a professor of engineering and director of the Center for High Efficiency Buildings at Purdue University. An unclean filter might include 5% to 15% to your A/C bill, and will reduce the life expectancy of your whole system. Luckily, replacement filters are quite low-cost-- usually less than $10.
If you have ductless "split" AC units, there must be a removable panel on your unit that will allow you to wipe off the filter with a rag-- no replacement essential.
# 2. You're Not Having Your System Serviced Every Year
You might look up online video tutorials about cleaning your A/C system's coils and fins-- required maintenance operations that keep your system up and running efficiently. You could also bring in a professional to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy provides some pointers when looking for Air Conditioner service professionals.
# 3. You Do not Have a Programmable Thermostat
Maybe you are among those super-humans who always keeps in mind to change the thermostat before leaving your home. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds on your yearly A/C bill by automatically raising the temperature at those times of day when you're at work or away from house. More recent phone-controllable "smart" thermostats make programs even simpler.
# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low
Research study reveals the human body is capable of adapting to hot or cool temperatures quite rapidly-- like within a week or two. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your Air Conditioner expense for each degree you raise the temperature-- not to discuss the prospective environmental advantages of reducing your A/C use-- it's worth sweating through that modification period and setting your thermostat somewhere in the high 70s (or higher if you can handle it).
# 5. You're Not Maximizing Fans
Any kind of fan, but especially ceiling fans, can help keep cool air flowing throughout your home. That removes some of the burden from your A/C system. Simply make sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise throughout the summer season, which promotes greater air flow.
# 6. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Inadequately Placed
If the sun or a close-by lamp blasts your thermostat for huge portions of the day, that might toss off its readings and cause it to crank your AC despite the fact that your location is pleasantly cool. Specifically if you're away throughout the day, you may not recognize your system is working overtime due to a misplaced thermostat.
Obstructing A/C vents with furnishings or curtains can also limit air flow. Unless you invest a great deal of time gathered under your sofa, you'll desire to be sure your Air Conditioning vents are unobstructed.
# 7. You're Cooling Empty Rooms
If A/C vents are open in every space of your house, you're cooling a lot of realty that might not be in use on an everyday basis. Walk and air conditioning edmonton close those AC vents that open onto vacant rooms. Likewise, closing closet doors makes sure those spaces aren't swallowing your cold air.
# 8. You Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains
Brilliant sunshine is your AC system's bane. By closing blinds and moving curtains to obstruct the sun's rays, you'll likewise protect your space from the sun's heat, professionals state.