All-time summer heat records keep giving in the weight of increasing global temps-- a pattern that hits home, literally and figuratively, when you receive your monthly air conditioning expense. Mistakes you're making with your home A/C may be undercutting its performance, efficiency, and safety, professionals say.

If you have a severely maintained system, it can become contaminated with microorganisms that might be damaging if breathed in. Typical signs are asthma issues and allergies.

Here are eight of the most typical mistakes people make when it comes to home Air Conditioner, and some basic changes that can conserve your lungs and wallet.

# 1. You Aren't Changing or Cleaning Your AC Filters

At a minimum, you should be altering the filter on your main Air Conditioning system once every three months-- and as typically as once a month if your system is running all the time.

Overlook this task, and a filthy filter can result in bad air flow or freezing up of your unit's evaporator coil, says James Braun, a teacher of engineering and director of the Center for High Efficiency Structures at Purdue University. A filthy filter could add 5% to 15% to https://ac-repair-mississauga.ca/heating-air-conditioning-basics/ your Air Conditioning costs, and will shorten the life-span of your whole system. Luckily, replacement filters are quite low-cost-- generally less than $10.

If you have ductless "split" Air Conditioner systems, there should be a detachable panel on your system that will allow you to rub out the filter with a rag-- no replacement necessary.

# 2. You're Not Having Your System Serviced Every Year

You could look up online video tutorials about cleaning your Air Conditioner unit's coils and fins-- required maintenance operations that keep your system up and running efficiently. You could also bring in a professional to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy provides some suggestions when searching for Air Conditioner service contractors.

# 3. You Do not Have a Programmable Thermostat

Perhaps you are among those super-humans who always remembers 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 A/C costs by instantly raising the temp at those times of day when you're at work or away from house. Newer phone-controllable "wise" thermostats make shows even simpler.

# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

Research study reveals the body is capable of adjusting to hot or cool temperatures quite rapidly-- like within a week or 2. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your A/C costs for every degree you raise the temperature-- not to mention the potential environmental benefits of decreasing your Air Conditioner use-- it deserves sweating through that change 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 assist keep cool air circulating throughout your home. That removes a few of the burden from your Air Conditioning system. Simply make sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summertime, which promotes higher air circulation.

# 6. Your Thermostat and/or Vents Are Improperly Positioned

If the sun or a close-by light blasts your thermostat for huge pieces of the day, that might shake off its readings and trigger it to crank your Air Conditioning despite the fact that your location is pleasantly cool. Especially if you're away throughout the day, you might not realize your system is working overtime due to a misplaced thermostat.

Blocking Air Conditioner vents with furnishings or drapes can also restrict air flow. Unless you invest a great deal of time huddled under your couch, you'll wish to make sure your AC vents are unblocked.

# 7. You're Cooling Empty Rooms

If Air Conditioner vents are open in every room of your home, you're cooling a great deal of real estate that might not be in use on an everyday basis. Walk and close those A/C vents that https://ac-repair-mississauga.ca/7-tips-for-reducing-your-cooling-costs/ open onto empty rooms. Closing closet doors ensures those areas aren't swallowing your cold air.

# 8. You Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains

Intense sunlight is your Air Conditioning system's bane. By closing blinds and sliding curtains to obstruct the sun's rays, you'll also shield your space from the sun's heat, specialists say.