Eight Huge Mistakes You're Making With Your Air Conditioning Unit

1. All-time summer heat records keep giving in the weight of increasing global temperatures-- a pattern that strikes house, literally and figuratively, when you get your monthly a/c costs. Errors you're making with your home AC may be undercutting its effectiveness, efficiency, and security, professionals state. If you have a badly kept system, it can become polluted with microbes that might be harmful if inhaled. Common symptoms are asthma issues and allergies. Here are 8 of the most typical mistakes people make when it comes to home A/C, and some easy adjustments that can save your lungs and wallet. # 1. You Aren't Changing or Cleaning Your AC Filters At a minimum, you must be altering the filter on your central AC system as soon as every three months-- and as often as once a month if your system is running all the time. Neglect this chore, and a filthy filter can cause bad air flow or freezing up of your unit's evaporator coil, states 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 Air Conditioning bill, and will reduce the life-span of your entire system. Luckily, replacement filters are quite inexpensive-- usually less than $10. If you have ductless "split" AC systems, there need to be a removable panel on your unit that will permit you to rub out the filter with a rag-- no replacement essential. # 2. You're Not Having Your System Serviced local hvac contractors Every Year You could look up online video tutorials about cleaning your Air Conditioning unit's coils and fins-- essential upkeep operations that keep your system up and running effectively. You might also generate a pro to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy offers some tips when searching for A/C service contractors. # 3. You Don't Have a Programmable Thermostat Possibly you are among those super-humans who always keeps in mind to adjust 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 bill by immediately raising the temperature at those times of day when you're at work or away from home. Newer phone-controllable "clever" thermostats make programs even simpler.

2. # 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 Air Conditioning bill for every degree you raise the temperature level-- not to discuss the possible environmental advantages of decreasing your A/C usage-- it's worth sweating through that modification period and setting your thermostat somewhere in the high 70s (or greater if you can handle it). # 5. You're Not Making The Most Of Fans Any type of fan, however especially ceiling fans, can assist keep one's cool air circulating throughout your home. That removes some of the problem from your AC system. Simply be sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise throughout the summer season, which promotes higher air circulation. # 6. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Inadequately Positioned If the sun or a close-by lamp blasts your thermostat for big chunks of the day, that could toss off its readings and cause it to crank your A/C even though your place is pleasantly cool. Especially if you're away throughout the day, you might not recognize your system is working overtime due to a misplaced thermostat. Obstructing Air Conditioner vents with furniture or drapes can likewise limit air circulation. Unless you spend a great deal of time huddled under your sofa, you'll desire to make certain your Air Conditioning vents are unblocked. # 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces If Air Conditioner vents are open in every space of your home, you're cooling a great deal of real estate that may not be in use on a daily basis. Walk and close those AC 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 Bright sunshine is your A/C system's nemesis. By closing blinds and sliding curtains to obstruct the sun's rays, you'll also protect your space from the sun's heat, experts state. http://query.nytimes.com/search/sitesearch/?action=click&contentCollection&region=TopBar&WT.nav=searchWidget&module=SearchSubmit&pgtype=Homepage#/HVAC