All-time summer season heat records keep buckling under the weight of rising global temperatures-- a trend that strikes house, actually and figuratively, when you receive your monthly air conditioning costs. Regrettably, errors you're making with your home AC may be damaging its efficiency, efficiency, and security, specialists say.

If you have a terribly maintained system, it can end up being polluted with bacteria that might be harmful if breathed in. Common signs are asthma issues and allergic reactions.

Here are 8 of the most typical mistakes individuals make when it pertains to house Air Conditioner, and some basic adjustments that can conserve your lungs and wallet.

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

At a minimum, you should be changing the filter on your main Air Conditioner unit as soon as every 3 months-- and as frequently as once a month if your system is running all the time.

Overlook this chore, and an unclean filter can lead to bad air flow or emergency furnace repair mississauga freezing up of your unit's evaporator coil, states James Braun, a teacher of engineering and director of the Center for High Efficiency Buildings at Purdue University. A dirty filter could add 5% to 15% to your A/C costs, and will reduce the life expectancy of your entire system. Luckily, replacement filters are quite inexpensive-- generally less than $10.

If you have ductless "split" AC units, there must be a removable panel on your unit that will permit you to wipe off the filter with a rag-- no replacement required.

# 2. You're Not Having Your System Serviced Annually

You could look up online video tutorials about cleaning your Air Conditioner system's coils and fins-- essential maintenance operations that keep your system up and running efficiently. You might also generate a pro to service your system once a year. The U.S. Department of Energy uses some pointers when browsing for AC service specialists.

# 3. You Don't Have a Programmable Thermostat

Maybe you're one of those super-humans who constantly keeps in mind to adjust the thermostat prior to leaving your house. If you're like the rest of us, a programmable thermostat can save you hundreds on your annual AC costs by automatically raising the temp at those times of day when you're at work or away from house. Newer phone-controllable "smart" thermostats make shows even easier.

# 4. You're Setting Your Thermostat Too Low

Research shows the human body is capable of adjusting to hot or cool temperature levels quite rapidly-- like within a week or more. When you consider you'll cut up to 3% off your AC costs for every single degree you raise the temperature level-- not to point out the possible ecological benefits of lowering your Air Conditioning use-- it's worth sweating through that change period and setting your thermostat somewhere in the high 70s (or greater if you can handle it).

# 5. You're Not Taking Full Benefit of Fans

Any kind of fan, however particularly ceiling fans, can assist keep one's cool air distributing throughout your house. That gets rid of a few of the burden from your Air Conditioning system. Simply make sure your ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise throughout the summer, which promotes greater air flow.

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

If the sun or a neighboring lamp blasts your thermostat for huge portions of the day, that might shake off its readings and cause it to crank your AC even though your place is pleasantly cool. Particularly if you're away throughout the day, you might not realize your system is working overtime due to a lost thermostat.

Blocking AC vents with furniture or curtains can likewise restrict air circulation. Unless you invest a lot of time gathered under your sofa, you'll wish to make sure your Air Conditioner 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 lot of real estate that may not remain in use on an everyday 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 Don't Have Blinds Or Curtains

Intense sunshine is your AC system's nemesis. By closing blinds and sliding curtains to block the sun's rays, you'll likewise shield your area from the sun's heat, experts say.