All-time summer heat records keep buckling under the weight of rising international temps-- a pattern that strikes home, literally and figuratively, when you receive your regular monthly cooling costs. Mistakes you're making with your home Air Conditioner may be undercutting its performance, efficiency, and security, professionals air conditioning companies say.
If you have a badly kept system, it can end up being contaminated with bacteria that may be harmful if breathed in. Common symptoms are asthma problems and allergic reactions.
Here are eight of the most common errors individuals make when it pertains to house Air Conditioner, and some easy changes that can save your lungs and wallet.
# 1. You Aren't Altering or Cleaning Your A/C Filters
At a minimum, you should be altering the filter on your main A/C unit once every 3 months-- and as often as when a month if your system is running all the time.
Overlook this task, and an unclean filter can lead to bad air flow or freezing up of your system'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 could include 5% to 15% to your A/C costs, and will shorten the lifespan of your whole system. Thankfully, replacement filters are quite low-cost-- usually less than $10.
If you have ductless "split" A/C systems, there ought to be a removable panel on your unit that will allow you to rub out the filter with a rag-- no replacement essential.
# 2. You're Not Having Your System Serviced Each Year
You might search for online video tutorials about cleaning your AC unit's coils and fins-- necessary maintenance operations that keep your system up and running effectively. You might likewise generate a pro to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy offers some pointers when searching for Air Conditioning service professionals.
# 3. You Do not Have a Programmable Thermostat
Perhaps you are among those super-humans who constantly keeps in mind to change the thermostat before leaving your house. However if you resemble the rest people, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds on your annual AC costs by instantly raising the temperature at those times of day when you're at work or away from home. More recent phone-controllable "wise" thermostats make programs even simpler.
# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low
Research study shows the human body is capable of adapting to hot or cool temperature levels quite quickly-- like within a week or two. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your Air Conditioning expense for every single degree you raise the temperature-- not to discuss the potential ecological benefits of decreasing your air conditioning repair blog Air Conditioning usage-- it's worth sweating through that adjustment duration and setting your thermostat somewhere in the high 70s (or higher if you can manage it).
# 5. You're Not Maximizing Fans
Any kind of fan, but particularly ceiling fans, can assist keep one's cool air distributing throughout your home. That removes a few of the burden from your AC system. Just be sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summer, which promotes higher air flow.
# 6. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Inadequately Positioned
If the sun or a close-by lamp blasts your thermostat for big portions of the day, that could shake off its readings and cause it to crank your Air Conditioning despite the fact that your location is happily cool. Particularly if you're away during the day, you may not recognize your system is working overtime due to a misplaced thermostat.
Blocking Air Conditioning vents with furnishings or curtains can likewise limit air blood circulation. Unless you spend a lot of time huddled under your couch, you'll desire to make certain your Air Conditioner vents are unblocked.
# 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces
If Air Conditioning vents are open in every room of your house, you're chilling a lot of realty that might not be in usage on a day-to-day basis. Walk and close those Air Conditioner vents that open onto empty spaces. Likewise, closing closet doors ensures those areas aren't swallowing your cold air.
# 8. You Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains
Intense sunshine is your Air Conditioner system's bane. By closing blinds and sliding drapes to obstruct the sun's rays, you'll also shield your area from the sun's heat, professionals say.