All-time summer season heat records keep buckling under the weight of rising global temperatures-- a pattern that hits home, literally and figuratively, when you get your regular monthly air conditioning expense. Sadly, errors you're making with your home Air Conditioning might be damaging its performance, effectiveness, and safety, specialists say.
If you have a terribly maintained system, it can end up being infected with bacteria that might be damaging if breathed in. Typical signs are asthma issues and allergies.
Here are eight of the most typical errors people make when it concerns house Air Conditioner, and some simple changes that can save your lungs and wallet.
# 1. You Aren't Altering or Cleaning Your Air Conditioning Filters
At a minimum, you must be changing the filter on your main A/C unit when every 3 months-- and as frequently as when a month if your system is running all the time.
Overlook this chore, and an unclean filter can cause bad air circulation or freezing up of your system's evaporator coil, says James Braun, a professor of engineering and director of the Center for High Performance Buildings at Purdue University. A filthy filter might add 5% to 15% to your A/C costs, and will shorten the life-span of your whole system. Replacement filters are quite cheap-- usually less than $10.
If you have ductless "split" Air Conditioner 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 needed.
# 2. You're Not Having Your System Serviced Annually
You might search for online video tutorials about cleaning your AC unit's coils and fins-- essential upkeep operations that keep your system up and running effectively. You could also generate a pro to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy provides some pointers when looking for AC service professionals.
# 3. You Do not Have a Programmable Thermostat
Maybe you are among those super-humans who always remembers to change the thermostat prior to leaving your house. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can conserve you hundreds on your yearly A/C expense by immediately raising the temp at those times of day when you're at work or away from home. Newer phone-controllable "wise" thermostats make programming even easier.
# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low
Research reveals the body is capable of adjusting to hot or cool temperature levels pretty rapidly-- like within a week or 2. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your AC costs for every degree you raise the temperature-- not to point out the potential environmental benefits of decreasing your A/C use-- it's worth sweating through that change duration and setting your thermostat someplace in the high 70s (or higher if you can manage it).
# 5. You're Not Maximizing Fans
Any type of fan, but particularly ceiling fans, can help keep one's cool air distributing throughout your house. That eliminates some of the problem from your AC system. Just make sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise throughout the summer season, which promotes higher air circulation.
# 6. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Badly Positioned
If the sun or a nearby light blasts your thermostat for big pieces of the day, that might throw off its readings and trigger it to crank your Air Conditioner although your https://air-conditioning-edmonton.ca place is pleasantly cool. Especially if you're away throughout the day, you might not understand your system is working overtime due to a misplaced thermostat.
Obstructing AC vents with furnishings or curtains can likewise limit air circulation. Unless you spend a lot of time huddled under your sofa, you'll desire to make sure your Air Conditioning vents are unblocked.
# 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces
If AC vents are open in every room of your home, you're cooling a great deal of realty that might not remain in usage on a daily basis. Walk and close those Air Conditioner vents that open onto empty rooms. Closing closet doors guarantees those areas aren't swallowing your cold air.
# 8. You Do not Have Blinds Or Curtains
Brilliant sunlight is your Air Conditioning system's bane. By closing blinds and moving drapes to block the sun's rays, you'll likewise protect your space from the sun's heat, specialists state.