All-time summer heat records keep buckling under the weight of increasing global temps-- a trend that strikes home, literally and figuratively, when you get your month-to-month air conditioning bill. Mistakes you're making with your house A/C might be damaging its efficiency, efficiency, and security, experts state.
If you have a severely kept system, it can become contaminated with microorganisms that may be hazardous if inhaled. Common symptoms are asthma issues and allergies.
Here are 8 of the most common errors people make when it comes to house A/C, and some simple modifications that can conserve your lungs and wallet.
# 1. You Aren't Altering or Cleaning Your AC Filters
At a minimum, you should be changing the filter on your main A/C unit once every three months-- and as typically as when a month if your system is running all the time.
Disregard this chore, and a dirty filter can cause poor air circulation or freezing up of your unit's evaporator coil, says 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 costs, and will reduce the life expectancy of your entire system. Replacement filters are quite cheap-- generally less than $10.
If you have ductless "split" Air Conditioning systems, there need 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 Each Year
You might look up online video tutorials about cleaning your Air Conditioner unit's coils and fins-- essential maintenance operations that keep your system up and running efficiently. You could likewise generate a professional to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy offers some pointers when looking for AC service contractors.
# 3. You Do not Have a Programmable Thermostat
Perhaps you are among those super-humans who always remembers to adjust the thermostat prior to leaving your home. But if you resemble the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can conserve you hundreds on your yearly A/C expense by instantly raising the temp at those times of day when you're at work or away from house. More recent phone-controllable "clever" thermostats make programs even easier.
# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low
Research reveals the body can adapting to hot air conditioning repair edmonton ab or cool temperature levels pretty rapidly-- like within a week or two. 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 possible environmental advantages of lowering your A/C 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 Making The Most Of Fans
Any type of fan, but especially ceiling fans, can assist keep cool air circulating throughout your home. That gets rid of a few of the burden from your Air Conditioner system. Just make certain your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise throughout the summer, which promotes greater air flow.
# 6. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Badly Positioned
If the sun or a close-by lamp blasts your thermostat for big portions of the day, that might shake off its readings and cause it to crank your Air Conditioning even though 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 misplaced thermostat.
Obstructing Air Conditioning vents with furniture or drapes can also restrict air circulation. Unless you invest a great deal of time huddled under your sofa, you'll want to make sure your A/C vents are unblocked.
# 7. You're Cooling Empty Rooms
If Air Conditioning vents are open in every room of your home, you're chilling a lot of realty that might not remain in use on a day-to-day basis. Stroll around and close those Air Conditioning vents that open onto empty spaces. Closing closet doors makes sure those areas aren't swallowing your cold air.
# 8. You Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains
Intense sunlight is your AC system's nemesis. By closing blinds and sliding curtains to block the sun's rays, you'll also shield your space from the sun's heat, specialists say.