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

1. All-time summer heat records keep giving in the weight of rising international temps-- a pattern that hits house, actually and figuratively, when you get your regular monthly a/c expense. Sadly, mistakes you're making with your house Air Conditioning may be damaging its effectiveness, effectiveness, and safety, professionals state. If you have a badly maintained system, it can end up being contaminated with bacteria that may be damaging if breathed in. Typical symptoms are asthma issues and allergic reactions. Here are eight of the most common errors people make when it pertains to home Air Conditioning, and some basic adjustments that can save your lungs and wallet. # 1. You Aren't Changing or Cleaning Your AC Filters At a minimum, you should be altering the filter on your central AC system as soon as every 3 months-- and as typically as when a month if your system is running all the time. Neglect this task, and a filthy filter can result in poor air flow or freezing up of your unit's evaporator coil, says 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 Conditioner costs, and will shorten the life-span of your entire system. Replacement filters are quite inexpensive-- usually less than $10. If you have ductless "split" Air Conditioning systems, there should be a detachable panel on your system that will enable you to clean off the filter with a rag-- no replacement necessary. # 2. You're Not Having Your System Serviced Annually You might search for online video tutorials about cleaning your Air Conditioner unit's coils and fins-- required upkeep operations that keep your system up and running effectively. You could likewise bring in a professional to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy offers some tips when searching for Air Conditioner service specialists. # 3. You Don't Have a Programmable Thermostat Possibly you're one of those super-humans who constantly remembers to adjust the thermostat prior to leaving your home. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can conserve you hundreds on your yearly Air Conditioning bill by instantly raising the temperature at those times of day when you're at work or away from house. Newer phone-controllable "clever" thermostats make shows even easier. # 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

2. Research study reveals the human body is capable of adjusting to hot or cool temperatures quite rapidly-- like within a week or more. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your Air Conditioner costs for every single degree you raise the temperature-- not to discuss the possible ecological benefits of lowering your A/C use-- it's worth sweating through that adjustment duration 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, however especially ceiling fans, can assist keep cool air flowing throughout your home. That gets rid hvac contractors toronto of a few of the concern from your Air Conditioner system. Just make sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summer season, which promotes greater air flow. # 6. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Badly Positioned If the sun or a neighboring lamp blasts your thermostat for huge pieces of the day, that could shake off its readings and trigger it to crank your Air Conditioner despite the fact that your location is pleasantly cool. Especially if you're away throughout the day, you may not realize your system is working overtime due to a lost thermostat. Obstructing Air Conditioning vents with furnishings or curtains can likewise limit air blood circulation. Unless you invest a great deal of time huddled under your couch, you'll desire to make certain your A/C vents are unobstructed. # 7. You're Cooling Empty Rooms If AC vents are open in every room of your house, you're cooling a lot of property that may not be in use on a day-to-day basis. Walk and close those Air Conditioner vents that open onto empty spaces. Likewise, closing closet doors guarantees those spaces 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 moving curtains to obstruct the sun's rays, you'll likewise protect your area from the sun's heat, experts say.