Top Air Conditioning Mistakes that can Inflate Your Bills
Having air conditioning in a sweat-drenching heat may make a big difference. We’ve had some hot summers, and there are even days in the spring and autumn when the air conditioner is needed. It has the potential to drastically alter our way of life, but it comes at a price. There are a few frequent errors that people make that can increase the cost of keeping their home cool. It’s important to take a look at these and ensure that, if you have a household air conditioning system, you repair these issues to keep your costs low.
1. Buying the Wrong System
Always utilise a properly sized air conditioner for your home. Oversized units may cycle on and off too quickly, rendering them ineffective at eliminating humidity and maintaining consistent temperatures. A unit that is too tiny, on the other hand, will have to run constantly, dramatically reducing its lifespan. Calculate your required cooling capacity using a load calculation that considers the square footage, layout, insulation, function, and typical occupancy of each room. For additional information, contact DEWA Approved electrical Contractors.
2. Cooling an Empty Room
Upgrade to a programmable thermostat since cooling an empty house wastes both money and energy. This technology lets you create a plan for raising and lowering the temperature of your air conditioner, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars per year. Close vents in unoccupied rooms and keep closet and cabinet doors closed to prevent additional air from entering.
3. Putting the AC Unit in Direct Sunlight
Despite the fact that air conditioners aren’t the most attractive items in a landscape, homeowners shouldn’t try to “hide” their unit in an inconvenient location. An air conditioner’s position has a significant impact on its energy efficiency. Because too much direct sunlight will make the system work harder, place it in a shaded area on the east or north side of your house. Also, avoid placing concealing bushes or plants too close to the unit, since this can obstruct ventilation and perhaps clog the condenser coils.
4. Poorly Positioning the Thermostat and Vents
Make sure your thermostat and vents are in the right place within your home. When the thermostat is in direct sunlight or near heat-producing lights and appliances, the reading is erroneous, leading the air conditioner to work extra. Interior vents can sometimes be blocked by furniture or drapes, preventing efficient air circulation.
5. Setting the Thermostat Too Low
Many homeowners prefer temps in the upper 70s but, out of habit, set their thermostat significantly lower. Adjusting the temperature to a higher setting will save you a lot of money on your utility bills; in fact, every degree you raise the temperature, you can save 3% on your air conditioning costs.
6. Not Using Fans
Combine your air conditioning with strategically placed fans if possible. Any form of fan will assist in cooling the air circulating around your home, making you feel more at ease at a greater interior temperature. During the summer, make sure to turn ceiling fans counterclockwise to drive the air downward. While using the AC, keep in mind that exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom should be turned off because they remove cool air from your home.
7. Leaving the Windows Open
Open windows and doors bring humidity into your home while allowing chilly air to depart. As a result, your air conditioner will have to work harder to adjust, consuming a lot of energy in the process. When the air conditioner is on, keep all doors and windows shut.
8. Neglecting to Clean the Filter
During the cooling season, clean or replace air filters once a month, or more frequently if the filter appears to be overly clogged with dust and debris. A clean filter boosts the efficiency of an air conditioner by 5 to 15%, cutting your energy consumption. Filters for central air conditioners are usually found on return ducts in walls or ceilings. A filter is fixed in the front-facing grille of room air conditioners, while the reusable filter in ductless mini-splits is stored in a removable panel. For specific directions on changing the air filter, consult DEWA Approved Contractors.
9. Forgetting Routine Maintenance
Maintaining your air conditioning system properly will help it run more efficiently and last longer. Inspect the seals on the air conditioner, as well as the seals between the unit and the house, before the start of the cooling season to verify no cool air is escaping. Then, look for corrosion in the fuses, circuit breakers, wire, and terminals; assess the condensate drain for correct drainage; and look for evidence of wear in the fans and other moving parts.
Has Your Air Conditioner Had a Tune-Up Lately?
Regular maintenance is required for your air conditioner to operate at peak efficiency and extend its life. Furthermore, with proper adjustments and annual cleaning, you can reduce energy use by up to 30%. Another issue is indoor air quality. If your system is not properly maintained, it might become polluted with bacteria, which can cause health problems. Only a certified HVAC professional can diagnose and fix some air-conditioning system issues, such as refrigerant leaks.
Have a professional inspect and tune-up your system on a regular basis. Remember that a normal service call will almost always be less expensive than an emergency repair! For the best service, contact electrical repair services in Dubai