All-time summer heat records keep giving in the weight https://ac-repair-mississauga.ca/7-tips-for-reducing-your-cooling-costs/ of rising international temps-- a pattern that hits home, literally and figuratively, when you get your monthly a/c bill. Unfortunately, errors you're making with your home Air Conditioning might be damaging its efficiency, efficiency, and safety, professionals say.
If you have a terribly kept system, it can become infected with microbes that might be damaging if inhaled. Typical symptoms are asthma issues and allergic reactions.
Here are eight of the most common mistakes individuals make when it pertains to house Air Conditioning, and some basic changes that can save your lungs and wallet.
# 1. You Aren't Changing or Cleaning Your AC Filters
At a minimum, you must be changing the filter on your central Air Conditioner system once every 3 months-- and as frequently as when a month if your system is running all the time.
Disregard this chore, and a dirty filter can lead to bad air circulation or freezing up of your unit's evaporator coil, states James Braun, a professor of engineering and director of the Center for High Efficiency Buildings at Purdue University. An unclean filter could add 5% to 15% to your Air Conditioner costs, and will reduce the life expectancy of your whole system. Replacement filters are pretty inexpensive-- typically less than $10.
If you have ductless "split" A/C systems, there should be a detachable panel on your unit that will allow you to clean off the filter with a rag-- no replacement needed.
# 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 upkeep operations that keep your system up and running effectively. You could also bring in a professional to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy provides some tips when looking for Air Conditioning service contractors.
# 3. You Don't Have a Programmable Thermostat
Possibly you're one of those air conditioner repair super-humans who constantly keeps in mind to change the thermostat before leaving your house. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds on your annual Air Conditioning expense by automatically raising the temp at those times of day when you're at work or away from house. Newer phone-controllable "clever" thermostats make shows even simpler.
# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low
Research study shows the human body can adapting to hot or cool temperatures quite quickly-- like within a week or more. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your Air Conditioning bill for each degree you raise the temperature level-- not to point out the potential environmental benefits of lowering your Air Conditioning 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 house. That removes a few of the problem from your AC system. Just make sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise throughout the summer, which promotes greater air flow.
# 6. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Improperly Positioned
If the sun or a neighboring light blasts your thermostat for big pieces of the day, that could shake off its readings and trigger it to crank your AC although your location is pleasantly cool. Especially if you're away throughout the day, you may not realize your system is working overtime due to a lost thermostat.
Blocking A/C vents with furniture or curtains can likewise limit air flow. Unless you spend a lot of time gathered under your couch, you'll desire to make sure your AC vents are unobstructed.
# 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces
If AC vents are open in every room of your home, you're cooling a great deal of property that might not remain in use on a daily basis. Walk and close those A/C vents that open onto empty spaces. Closing closet doors ensures those spaces aren't swallowing your cold air.
# 8. You Do not Have Blinds Or Curtains
Bright sunlight is your A/C system's bane. By closing blinds and sliding curtains to block the sun's rays, you'll also shield your space from the sun's heat, specialists state.