8 Big Errors You're Making With Your Home AC

1. All-time summertime heat records keep buckling under the weight of increasing international temperatures-- a pattern that strikes home, actually and figuratively, when you get your monthly cooling bill. Regrettably, mistakes you're making with your house Air Conditioning might be undercutting its efficiency, effectiveness, and security, specialists state. If you have a terribly kept system, it can become infected with microbes that might be harmful if inhaled. Typical signs are asthma problems and allergic reactions. Here are 8 of the most common errors individuals make when it concerns home Air Conditioning, and some simple changes that can save your lungs and wallet. # 1. You Aren't Changing or Cleaning Your Air Conditioning Filters At a minimum, you should be altering the filter on your main A/C unit when every 3 months-- and as often as once a month if your system is running all the time. Overlook this task, and an unclean filter can result in bad air circulation or freezing up of your system's evaporator coil, says James Braun, a professor of engineering and director of the Center for High Performance Structures at Purdue University. A filthy filter might add 5% to 15% to your A/C costs, and will reduce the life-span of your whole system. Thankfully, replacement filters are quite inexpensive-- usually less than $10. If you have ductless "split" Air Conditioner systems, there need to be a removable panel on your system that will enable you to wipe off the filter with a rag-- no replacement needed. # 2. You're Not Having Your System Serviced Annually You could search for online video tutorials about cleaning your Air Conditioning system's coils and fins-- necessary maintenance 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 offers some ideas when looking for A/C service professionals. # 3. You Do not Have a Programmable Thermostat Maybe you're one of those super-humans who constantly keeps in mind to adjust the thermostat before leaving your home. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds on your yearly AC bill by immediately raising the temp at those times of day when you're at work or away from home. More recent phone-controllable "smart" thermostats make programming even simpler. # 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

2. Research reveals the human body is capable of adapting to hot or cool temperatures pretty quickly-- like within a week or 2. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your Air Conditioning costs for every single degree you raise the temperature-- not to discuss the prospective ecological benefits of decreasing your AC usage-- it deserves sweating through that adjustment period and setting your thermostat someplace in the high 70s (or higher if you can handle it). # 5. You're Not Taking Full Benefit of Fans Any type of fan, however especially ceiling fans, can assist keep one's cool air flowing throughout your home. That eliminates a few of the problem from your AC system. Simply make sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summer, which promotes higher air flow. # 6. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Poorly Placed If the sun or a neighboring lamp blasts your thermostat for big chunks of the day, that could toss off its readings and trigger it to crank your Air Conditioning even though your place is happily cool. Especially if you're away throughout the day, you may not understand your system is working overtime due to a misplaced thermostat. Blocking A/C vents with furnishings or curtains can also limit air circulation. Unless you spend a great deal of time huddled under your couch, you'll desire to make certain your Air Conditioning vents are unblocked. # 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces If AC vents are open in every space of your house, you're chilling a great free ac estimates toronto deal of real estate that might not be in usage on a day-to-day basis. Walk around and close those A/C vents that open onto empty rooms. Closing closet doors makes sure those areas aren't swallowing your cold air. # 8. You Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains Intense sunshine is your AC 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 state.