8 Big Mistakes You're Making With Your A/C

[Maribeth Emanuel]

All-time summertime heat records keep buckling under the weight of increasing worldwide temps-- a pattern that hits home, actually and figuratively, when you get your regular monthly air conditioning costs. Errors you're making with your house AC may be damaging its performance, effectiveness, and security, experts say.

If you have a severely kept system, it can end up being contaminated with microorganisms that might be harmful if breathed in. Common signs are asthma issues and allergies.

Here are 8 of the most typical errors individuals make when it pertains to home Air Conditioning, and some easy changes that can save your lungs and wallet.

# 1. You Aren't Changing or Cleaning Your A/C Filters

At a minimum, you ought to be altering the filter on your main Air Conditioning system when every 3 months-- and as typically as when a month if your system is running all the time.

Overlook this task, and a filthy filter can result in bad 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. A filthy filter might add 5% to 15% to your Air Conditioning costs, and will shorten the lifespan of your entire system. Luckily, replacement filters are quite low-cost-- typically less than $10.

If you have ductless "split" Air Conditioner systems, there must be a detachable panel on your system that will permit you to wipe off the filter with a rag-- no replacement essential.

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

You could look up online video tutorials about cleaning your A/C system's coils and fins-- needed upkeep operations that keep your system up and running effectively. You could also generate a professional to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy provides some ideas when browsing for Air Conditioning service contractors.

# 3. You Don't Have a Programmable Thermostat

Perhaps you're one of those super-humans who always remembers to change the thermostat before leaving the home. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds on your annual AC costs by automatically raising the temperature at those times of day when you're at work or away from house. Newer phone-controllable "smart" thermostats make shows even simpler.

# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

Research study reveals the body can adapting 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 expense for each degree you raise the temperature level-- not to mention the potential ecological advantages of reducing your Air Conditioner use-- it's worth sweating through that adjustment period and setting your thermostat somewhere in the high 70s (or greater if you can manage it).

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

Any type of fan, however particularly ceiling fans, can assist keep one's cool air distributing throughout your house. That removes some of the burden from your A/C system. Simply make sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summertime, which promotes higher air flow.

# 6. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Improperly Placed

If the sun or a neighboring lamp blasts your thermostat for big portions of the day, that might toss off its readings and cause it to crank your A/C although your location is happily cool. Specifically if you're away throughout the day, you may not understand your system is working overtime due to a misplaced thermostat.

Obstructing AC vents with furnishings or curtains can also restrict air circulation. Unless you spend a great deal of time gathered under your couch, you'll wish to make sure your Air Conditioning vents are unblocked.

# 7. You're Cooling Empty Rooms

If A/C vents are open in every room of your house, you're chilling a great deal of genuine estate that may not remain in use on a daily basis. Walk and close those Air Conditioner vents that open onto empty furnace companies mississauga spaces. Closing closet doors ensures those spaces aren't swallowing your cold air.

# 8. You Do not Have Blinds Or Curtains

Brilliant sunshine is your Air Conditioning system's nemesis. By closing blinds and moving drapes to obstruct the sun's rays, you'll also shield your space from the sun's heat, professionals say.

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