During the warmer or colder months air conditioning and heating systems may use more electricity and gas than any other appliance in your home. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of bad cooling and heating habits! Here some of the biggest air conditioning/heating mistakes people make, as well as how to reduce your usage and utility bills.
Mistake No. 1: Bigger is Not Always Better
Many people are inclined to buy a bigger air conditioner or heating system assuming it will make the home colder or warmer, faster. However an oversized air conditioner/heating system doesn’t generate uniform temperatures or reduce humidity. It will also run inefficiently by cycling on and off too quickly, drawing more current or gas and adding to your electricity or gas bill. Avoid the shock of a terrifying energy bill by installing a system the correct size for your home.
Mistake No. 2: Hiding the A/C
The air conditioner may not be pretty, but neither are excessive summer electric bills. Don’t try to hide air conditioners behind shrubs or other plants, it will hinder ventilation, clog condenser coils and make the air conditioner run less efficiently. An air conditioning or heating system operates best under a shady spot on the south or east side of a house. Here it will be hit by less of the sun’s rays, allowing it to work more efficiently.
Mistake No. 3: Ignoring Maintenance
Air conditioners and heating system are deceptively self-sufficient, don’t get into the habit of “out of sight, out of mind”! Many homeowners ignore basic maintenance that can improve efficiency and comfort, and extend the life of the air conditioner. We recommend your heating/cooling system be serviced every 4-6 months to keep it running smoothly all year long. Call 03 9735 3958 to book a service call.
Mistake No. 4: Closing Unused Vents
Opinions vary on the efficiency of closing vents and doors to unused rooms. In many cases, it is believed this can decrease the efficiency of a central air conditioning system. Also be careful about closing off any rooms that may have a thermostat as it can skew the temperature reading, which means your house won’t be cooling or heating correctly. Consult us before closing off any parts of the house for the summer.
Mistake No. 5: Letting the Outside, In!
Any air-conditioning system will struggle if you leave doors and windows open during the heat of the day – or let cool air in at night! Keeping your doors and windows open while the air conditioner is running forces it to work overtime to pull the humidity out of your home. Make sure you always tightly shut any outside doors and windows.
Mistake No. 6: Turning the Temperature Way Down
If you are comfortable at 22 degrees, don’t come home and turn the thermostat down to 18! It will not get you to 22 any faster. Instead, it will simply past 22 and waste energy. The same goes for the heating system!
Mistake No. 7: Heating Up the Thermostat
Make sure lamps, televisions, stereos or other heat-generators are not close enough to the thermostat to accidentally drive up the temperature reading and overwork the air conditioner. If you do have any of these appliances near your air conditioner, consider moving them. Think of it as feng shui for your energy bill!
Mistake No. 8: Not Using Ceiling Fans or Running Them Backwards
Many people think their air conditioner is a substitute for ceiling fans. In reality, they are best used in tandem. According to Energy Star, make sure the fan is switched to push air downward (typically counter-clockwise). It may seem more logical to reverse the fan so it is pulling hot air upward, however the downward airflow creates a “wind chill effect” which makes you feel cooler. Running a ceiling fan with your air conditioner can make you feel up to 3-4 degrees cooler!
Mistake No. 9: Using the Wrong Fans
Exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom can push cool, conditioned air out of the house. They should not be used more than absolutely necessary in the summer to ensure your air conditioner is not overworked.
Mistake No. 10: Ignoring Maintenance
Yes, we know this is on the list twice, but forgetting to maintain your equipment is the biggest mistake we see and is worth mentioning again! You simply can’t get away with ignoring your air conditioner – no matter how self-sufficient it may seem. Replacing filters and cleaning the evaporator coil will extend your unit’s lifespan and protect your family from harmful byproducts that may begin to filter in with your cool air. And don’t forget, the outdoor unit is prey to the elements and your garden – if you don’t want ants and other pests invading your home it’s best to ensure your unit is thoroughly and routinely cleaned.Don’t fall victim to these heating and cooling system mistakes! Save yourself from high energy bills by calling John’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning today on 03 9735 3958 if you run into a problem with your heating or cooling system, or if you would like to book a service.
We can also place you on our data base and give you a reminder call when your system is due for service, for your convenience!