8 Big Errors You're Making With Your A/C

1. All-time summer heat records keep giving in the weight of increasing worldwide temps-- a pattern that strikes house, literally and figuratively, when you get your monthly air conditioning costs. Mistakes you're making with your home Air Conditioning may be undercutting its performance, effectiveness, and security, specialists state. If you have a terribly maintained system, it can end up being polluted with microorganisms that may be damaging if inhaled. Typical symptoms are asthma problems and allergies. Here are 8 of the most common errors individuals make when it comes to house Air Conditioning, and some basic changes that can save your lungs and wallet. # 1. You Aren't Changing or Cleaning Your Air Conditioning Filters At a minimum, you ought to be altering the filter on your main A/C system once 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 cause poor air circulation or freezing up of your system's evaporator coil, states James Braun, a professor of engineering and director of the Center for High Efficiency Buildings at Purdue University. A filthy filter might include 5% to 15% to your A/C expense, and will air conditioning repair edmonton reduce the life expectancy of your whole system. Thankfully, replacement filters are quite cheap-- typically less than $10. If you have ductless "split" A/C units, there need to be a removable panel on your system that will permit you to rub out the filter with a rag-- no replacement required. # 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-- essential upkeep operations that keep your system up and running efficiently. You could also generate a professional to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy uses some tips when looking for Air Conditioning service professionals. # 3. You Do not Have a Programmable Thermostat Perhaps you are among those super-humans who always remembers 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 Air Conditioning costs 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 easier. # 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

2. Research shows the body can adjusting to hot or cool temperatures quite rapidly-- like within a week or 2. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your Air Conditioning expense for every degree you raise the temperature level-- not to mention the possible ecological advantages of decreasing your A/C use-- it's worth sweating through that modification duration 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 kind of fan, but especially ceiling fans, can assist keep cool air circulating throughout your home. That eliminates a few of the burden from your Air Conditioning system. Simply make certain your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summertime, which promotes greater air circulation. # 6. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Improperly Placed If the sun or a close-by light blasts your thermostat for big chunks of the day, that might shake off its readings and trigger it to crank your Air Conditioner although your place is happily cool. Particularly if you're away during the day, you may not realize your system is working overtime due to a misplaced thermostat. Blocking Air Conditioner vents with furniture or drapes can also restrict air flow. Unless you spend a great deal of time gathered under your sofa, you'll wish to make certain your Air Conditioner vents are unobstructed. # 7. You're Cooling Empty Rooms If A/C vents are open in every space of your house, you're chilling a great deal of real estate that may not remain in usage on a daily basis. Stroll 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 Brilliant sunlight is your AC system's nemesis. By closing blinds and moving drapes to obstruct the sun's rays, you'll also protect your space from the sun's heat, experts say.