8 Big Errors You're Making With Your Air Conditioning Unit

[Arrieta Susana]

All-time summertime heat records keep giving in the weight of increasing global temps-- a trend that strikes house, literally and figuratively, when you receive your monthly cooling bill. Errors you're making with your house AC may be damaging its performance, effectiveness, and safety, experts say.

If you have a severely maintained system, it can end up being contaminated with bacteria that might be hazardous if inhaled. Common signs are asthma problems and allergic reactions.

Here are 8 of the most common mistakes people make when it pertains to house Air Conditioning, and some basic adjustments that can save your lungs and wallet.

# 1. You Aren't Altering or Cleaning Your Air Conditioning Filters

At a minimum, you ought to be changing the filter on your main AC system as soon as every 3 months-- and as frequently as once a month if your system is running all the time.

Disregard this chore, and a filthy filter can result in poor 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 dirty filter could add 5% to 15% to your Air Conditioner expense, and will reduce the life expectancy of your entire system. Replacement filters are quite cheap-- generally less than $10.

If you have ductless "split" AC systems, there ought to be a detachable panel on your unit that will enable you to clean off the filter with a rag-- no replacement necessary.

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

You might search for online video tutorials about cleaning your Air Conditioner unit's coils and fins-- essential upkeep operations that keep your system up and running effectively. You might likewise bring in a professional to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy offers some ideas when looking for AC service specialists.

# 3. You Do not Have a Programmable Thermostat

Maybe you're one of those super-humans who constantly remembers to change the thermostat before leaving the house. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds on your annual A/C bill by instantly raising the temp at those times of day when you're at work or away from house. Newer phone-controllable "clever" thermostats make programs even simpler.

# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

Research reveals the body is capable of adjusting to hot or cool temperature levels pretty quickly-- like within a week or 2. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your A/C bill for every degree you raise the temperature level-- not to point out the prospective ecological benefits of decreasing your Air Conditioning usage-- it's worth sweating through that hvac service mississauga modification period and setting your thermostat someplace in the high 70s (or higher if you can manage it).

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

Any type of fan, but particularly ceiling fans, can assist keep one's cool air distributing throughout your house. That gets rid of a few of the problem from your Air Conditioning system. Simply be sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summer season, which promotes greater air circulation.

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

If the sun or a nearby light blasts your thermostat for huge portions of the day, that could shake off its readings and cause it to crank your A/C although your location is happily cool. Especially if you're away during the day, you may not realize your system is working overtime due to a lost thermostat.

Obstructing AC vents with furnishings or drapes can also restrict air circulation. Unless you invest a lot of time huddled under your sofa, you'll want to make sure your Air Conditioner vents are unblocked.

# 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces

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

# 8. You Do not Have Blinds Or Curtains

Intense sunlight is your AC system's bane. By closing blinds and moving curtains to block the sun's rays, you'll also protect your space from the sun's heat, professionals state.

http://edition.cnn.com/search/?text=hvac