Eight Big Errors You're Making With Your Home AC System

1. All-time summer heat records keep giving in the weight of increasing worldwide temperatures-- a pattern that strikes house, actually and figuratively, when you get your month-to-month a/c bill. Mistakes you're making with your house A/C may be undercutting its effectiveness, efficiency, and safety, specialists say. If you have a badly kept system, it can end up being polluted with microbes that may be harmful if breathed in. Common symptoms are asthma problems and allergic reactions. Here are 8 of the most common errors individuals make when it comes to house AC, and some basic changes that can save your lungs and wallet. # 1. You Aren't Altering or Cleaning Your Air Conditioning Filters At a minimum, you should be changing the filter on your central A/C unit as soon as every three months-- and as frequently as once a month if your system is running all the time. Disregard this task, and a filthy filter can result in bad air flow or freezing up of your system's evaporator coil, states James Braun, a teacher of engineering and director of the Center for High Performance Structures at Purdue University. An unclean filter might add 5% to 15% to your Air Conditioner costs, and will shorten the life-span of your whole system. Replacement filters are pretty inexpensive-- normally less than $10. If you have ductless "split" A/C systems, there must be a removable panel on your system that will permit you to rub out the filter with a rag-- no replacement needed. # 2. You're Not Having Your System Serviced Annually You could look up online video tutorials about cleaning your A/C unit's coils and fins-- essential maintenance operations that keep your system up and running efficiently. You might also bring in a professional to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy provides some ideas when browsing for AC service specialists. # 3. You Do not Have a Programmable Thermostat Perhaps you're one of those super-humans who always keeps in mind to adjust the thermostat prior to leaving the house. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds on your annual Air Conditioner expense by immediately raising the temp at those times of day when you're at work or away from home. Newer phone-controllable "smart" thermostats make programs even easier. # 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low Research study reveals the body is capable of adjusting to hot or cool temperature levels pretty quickly-- like within a week or 2. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your A/C bill for every degree you raise the temperature-- not to mention the possible ecological benefits of decreasing your Air Conditioner usage-- it's worth sweating through that modification period and setting your thermostat someplace in the high 70s (or

2. greater if you can manage it). # 5. You're Not Taking Complete Benefit of Fans Any kind of fan, but particularly ceiling fans, can help keep one's cool air circulating throughout your house. That removes a few of the burden from your A/C system. Just be sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summer season, which promotes higher air flow. # 6. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Inadequately Placed If the sun or a nearby lamp blasts your thermostat for huge chunks furnace repair edmonton reviews of the day, that might throw off its readings and cause it to crank your Air Conditioning although your location is happily cool. Particularly if you're away throughout the day, you may not recognize your system is working overtime due to a lost thermostat. Blocking Air Conditioner vents with furnishings or curtains can also restrict air blood circulation. Unless you spend a lot of time huddled under your sofa, you'll desire to make sure your Air Conditioner vents are unblocked. # 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces If Air Conditioner vents are open in every room of your house, you're cooling a great deal of property that may not remain in usage on a day-to-day basis. Stroll around and close those Air Conditioning vents that open onto empty rooms. Closing closet doors ensures those areas aren't swallowing your cold air. # 8. You Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains Bright sunlight is your AC system's nemesis. By closing blinds and sliding drapes to block the sun's rays, you'll also protect your area from the sun's heat, professionals state. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hvac