All-time summer heat records keep buckling under the weight of increasing worldwide temperatures-- a trend that hits home, actually and figuratively, when you receive your monthly a/c bill. Unfortunately, mistakes you're making with your home Air Conditioning might be damaging its efficiency, efficiency, and security, professionals say.
If you have a terribly kept system, it can become infected with microorganisms that might be hazardous if breathed in. Common signs are asthma issues and allergies.
Here are eight of the most common errors individuals make when it comes to house A/C, and some simple adjustments that can save your lungs and wallet.
# 1. You Aren't Changing or Cleaning Your Air Conditioner Filters
At a minimum, you should be changing the filter on your central Air Conditioner system when every three months-- and as often as once a month if your system is running all the time.
Disregard this task, and a dirty filter can result in bad air circulation or freezing up of your unit's evaporator coil, says James Braun, a professor of engineering and director of the Center for High Performance Buildings at Purdue University. An unclean filter could add 5% to 15% to your A/C expense, and will reduce the life expectancy of your whole system. Replacement filters are quite cheap-- generally less than $10.
If you have air conditioner toronto ductless "split" A/C systems, there must be a detachable panel on your system that will allow you to clean off the filter with a rag-- no replacement necessary.
# 2. You're Not Having Your System Serviced Every Year
You could look up online video tutorials about cleaning your Air Conditioner unit's coils and fins-- needed maintenance operations that keep your system up and running effectively. You might also bring in a professional to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy provides some suggestions when looking for A/C service professionals.
# 3. You Don't Have a Programmable Thermostat
Possibly you are among those super-humans who constantly remembers to adjust the thermostat prior to leaving your house. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds on your yearly Air Conditioner expense by instantly raising the temperature at those times of day when you're at work or away from house. Newer phone-controllable "smart" thermostats make programming even simpler.
# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low
Research reveals the body can adjusting to hot or cool temperature levels quite rapidly-- like within a week or more. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your Air Conditioner expense for each degree you raise the temperature-- not to discuss the possible ecological benefits of reducing your AC use-- it deserves sweating through that adjustment period and setting your thermostat someplace in the high 70s (or greater if you can manage it).
# 5. You're Not Maximizing Fans
Any kind of fan, however especially ceiling fans, can help keep cool air flowing throughout your home. That eliminates a few of the problem from your Air Conditioning system. Simply make certain your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summer season, which promotes higher air circulation.
# 6. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Badly Placed
If the sun or a neighboring lamp blasts your thermostat for big pieces of the day, that could toss off its readings and trigger it to crank your A/C although your location is happily cool. Particularly if you're away throughout the day, you might not realize your system is working overtime due to a misplaced thermostat.
Blocking Air Conditioner vents with furniture or drapes can likewise limit air blood circulation. Unless you invest a great deal of time huddled under your sofa, you'll desire to be sure your A/C vents are unblocked.
# 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces
If Air Conditioner vents are open in every space of your house, you're chilling a great deal of realty that might not remain in use on an everyday basis. Walk and close those A/C vents that open onto vacant spaces. Also, closing closet doors guarantees those spaces aren't swallowing your cold air.
# 8. You Do not Have Blinds Or Curtains
Intense sunshine is your Air Conditioner system's nemesis. By closing blinds and moving curtains to block the sun's rays, you'll likewise shield your area from the sun's heat, specialists say.