All-time summer heat records keep buckling under the weight of increasing international temperatures-- a trend that strikes home, actually and figuratively, when you receive your month-to-month cooling bill. Mistakes you're making with your home Air Conditioning might be undercutting its effectiveness, effectiveness, and security, specialists state.
If you have a badly maintained system, it can become contaminated with microbes that may be hazardous if breathed in. Common symptoms are asthma problems and allergic reactions.
Here are 8 of the most common mistakes people make when it pertains to home A/C, and some simple modifications that can save your lungs and wallet.
# 1. You Aren't Altering or Cleaning Your Air Conditioning Filters
At a minimum, you must be altering the filter on your main AC unit as soon as every 3 months-- and as often as once a month if your system is running all the time.
Overlook this task, and a dirty filter can lead to poor air circulation or freezing up of your unit's evaporator coil, says James Braun, a teacher of engineering and director of the Center for High Efficiency Structures at Purdue University. A filthy filter might add 5% to 15% to your A/C bill, and will shorten the life expectancy of your entire system. Fortunately, replacement filters are quite low-cost-- generally less than $10.
If you have ductless "split" AC units, there ought to be a removable panel on your unit that will allow you to rub out the filter with a rag-- no replacement required.
# 2. You're Not Having Your System Serviced Each Year
You could look up online video tutorials about cleaning your AC system's coils and fins-- essential upkeep 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 provides some tips when looking for Air Conditioner service contractors.
# 3. You Do not Have a Programmable Thermostat
Perhaps you're one of those https://air-conditioning-edmonton.ca super-humans who constantly remembers to change the thermostat prior to leaving the house. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds on your yearly AC expense by automatically raising the temperature at those times of day when you're at work or away from house. More recent phone-controllable "smart" thermostats make programming even easier.
# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low
Research study shows the human body is capable of adapting to hot or cool temperatures pretty rapidly-- like within a week or more. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your A/C expense for each degree you raise the temperature level-- not to discuss the prospective ecological benefits of decreasing your A/C usage-- it's worth sweating through that modification period and setting your thermostat somewhere in the high 70s (or greater if you can manage it).
# 5. You're Not Maximizing Fans
Any type of fan, but especially ceiling fans, can help keep one's cool air distributing throughout your home. That gets rid of a few of the burden from your A/C system. Just be sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise throughout the summer, which promotes greater air circulation.
# 6. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Badly Placed
If the sun or a neighboring lamp blasts your thermostat for big chunks of the day, that could shake off its readings and trigger it to crank your AC although your place is happily cool. Especially if you're away throughout the day, you may not recognize your system is working overtime due to a misplaced thermostat.
Blocking AC vents with furnishings or drapes can likewise limit air blood circulation. Unless you spend a lot of time gathered under your couch, you'll wish to make certain your AC vents are unblocked.
# 7. You're Cooling Empty Rooms
If Air Conditioner vents are open in every space of your home, you're cooling a lot of property that might not be in usage on a daily basis. Walk around and close those A/C vents that open onto empty rooms. Also, closing closet doors makes sure those spaces aren't swallowing your cold air.
# 8. You Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains
Brilliant sunlight is your Air Conditioning system's bane. By closing blinds and moving curtains to obstruct the sun's rays, you'll likewise protect your area from the sun's heat, specialists state.