Making These Common Mistakes With Your AC?

Cities all over the country are seeing record temperatures – which can lead to huge utility bills. If you want to make the most of your AC then you’ll need to focus on efficiency, safety, and effectiveness. Time recently posted an article titled 8 Big Mistakes You’re Making With Your Air Conditioner that has some great points. Click the link to see for yourself or check out our favorite tips below.

Not changing or cleaning filters

If you have central air conditioning, then you should be changing the filter every three months – at a minimum. If you are running it constantly then you should change your filter monthly. Those with efficient ductless split AC units can simply remove their panel and wipe off their filter with a rag – there’s no need to replace it.

Not replacing or cleaning your filters leads to many issues, including poor air flow – which could raise your utility bill by as much as 15%. It’s also likely to result in your AC not lasting as long as it could too. The good news is that replacement filters generally cost less than $10.

You’re cooling rooms you’re not using

If you have air conditioning vents open in all rooms of your house then you’re likely spending a lot to cool rooms you’re not using. Take a few minutes to close the vents on rooms you don’t need and be sure your closet doors are closed too – they can swallow up lots of your cold air. Of course, the best way to ensure you’re only cooling rooms you need cooled is to invest in a multi-zone ductless AC system .

You’re leaving your windows naked

Bright sunlight is great in the winter but in the summer it is the nemesis to your air conditioning system. Put up blinds or curtains to block the sun’s direct rays. This will help prevent unnecessary heating up from the afternoon sun.

Your thermostat isn’t in a good spot

If you have your thermostat in a spot where it gets direct sunlight, or even gets hit directly by a lamp, then it could result in some seriously inaccurate readings – which will result in your air conditioning running much higher than necessary. If you’re gone during the sunniest parts of the day, you may not even know that your unit is working overtime. You can also take a walk around your home to see if AC vents are blocked by curtains or furniture, either of which can limit the amount of air that’s circulating through your home.