Eight Big Errors You're Making With Your A/C

1. All-time summer heat records keep buckling under the weight of rising international temps-- a pattern that strikes home, literally and figuratively, when you get your monthly a/c bill. Unfortunately, mistakes you're making with your home Air Conditioner might be undercutting its performance, efficiency, and security, specialists say. If you have a terribly kept system, it can become polluted with microbes that might be damaging if breathed in. Common symptoms are asthma issues and allergic reactions. Here are 8 of the most typical mistakes people make when it concerns home A/C, and some easy modifications that can save your lungs and wallet. # 1. You Aren't Changing or Cleaning Your AC Filters At a minimum, you need to be changing the filter on your main A/C unit once every 3 months-- and as frequently as once a month if your system is running all the time. Neglect this task, and an unclean filter can cause poor air circulation or freezing up of your unit's evaporator coil, states James Braun, a teacher of engineering and director of the Center for High Efficiency Structures at Purdue University. An unclean filter could include 5% to 15% to your Air Conditioning costs, and will reduce the lifespan of your entire system. Fortunately, replacement filters are pretty inexpensive-- usually less than $10. If you have ductless "split" A/C units, there must be a removable panel on your system that will allow you to rub out the filter with a rag-- no replacement essential. # 2. You're Not Having Your System Serviced Yearly You might look up online video tutorials about cleaning your Air Conditioning unit's coils and fins-- needed upkeep operations that keep your system up and running effectively. You might likewise bring in a professional to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy provides some pointers when looking for Air Conditioner service professionals. # 3. You Don't Have a Programmable Thermostat Perhaps you are among those super-humans who always keeps in mind to adjust the thermostat before leaving your house. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds on your yearly A/C expense by instantly raising the temp at those times of day when you're at work or away from home. Newer phone-controllable "smart" thermostats make shows even simpler. # 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low Research study reveals the human body is capable of adapting to hot or cool temperature levels quite rapidly--

2. like within a week or more. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your Air Conditioner costs for every degree you raise the temperature level-- not to mention the prospective ecological advantages of reducing your AC usage-- it deserves sweating through that modification period and setting your thermostat someplace in the high 70s (or greater if you can manage it). # 5. You're Not Making The Most Of Fans Any type of fan, but particularly ceiling fans, can help keep one's cool air distributing throughout your home. That gets rid of some of the concern from your Air Conditioner 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 Positioned If the sun or a close-by light blasts your thermostat for big portions of the day, that might throw off its readings and cause it to crank your AC even though your place is pleasantly cool. Specifically if you're away throughout the day, you may not recognize your system is working overtime due to a misplaced thermostat. Obstructing Air Conditioner vents with furniture or curtains can likewise restrict air circulation. Unless you spend a great deal of time huddled under your couch, you'll wish to make air conditioning edmonton alberta sure your Air Conditioner vents are unblocked. # 7. You're Cooling Empty Spaces If A/C vents are open in every room of your home, you're cooling a lot of real estate that may not remain in usage on a day-to-day basis. Walk around and close those Air Conditioning vents that open onto vacant rooms. Likewise, closing closet doors guarantees those spaces aren't swallowing your cold air. # 8. You Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains Intense sunlight is your AC system's bane. 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. http://query.nytimes.com/search/sitesearch/?action=click&contentCollection&region=TopBar&WT.nav=searchWidget&module=SearchSubmit&pgtype=Homepage#/hvac