7 Air Conditioning Mistakes to Avoid this Summer

Air conditioning systems are essential for escaping the unbearable heat of the summer. These devices not only circulate cool air throughout a home or office but can also improve the air quality by removing allergens and harmful bacteria. While it’s common practice to have your AC unit working in overdrive during hot weather, this isn’t the best approach for maintaining a reliable system. 

A broken-down air conditioner can create a very uncomfortable living and working environment. What’s more, repairs and replacement parts can be costly. Unfortunately, even the best ductless air conditioner is prone to breakdown if it isn’t maintained correctly. 

Every summer, people revert to bad habits relating to their AC systems. To keep yours in top condition this summer, here are some common mistakes to avoid. 

1. Using the Wrong Size Conditioning Unit

One of the golden rules of air conditioning is that bigger isn’t always better. A large AC unit might be capable of providing cool air throughout your space. However, an oversized unit may lack efficiency and encounter problems that can cost you in the long term. 

The main issue with a large unit is short cycling. This occurs because the overpowered system disperses cool air very quickly, reducing the temperature beyond the desired point. To compensate for the cold room temperature, the system switches itself off. This cycle repeats itself to maintain the temperature, causing the unit to work harder and less efficiently.

If the AC unit is undersized, it will have to work extra hard to cool the room. Despite running excessively, your home may never reach the desired temperature, meaning your high utility bills don’t necessarily mean a cooler home.

The best way to find a conditioning unit of an appropriate size is to have a load test carried out. This helps determine the cooling capacity and energy needs of your space. You can also estimate the BTUs required to cool your space by calculating the square footage and ceiling height and inputting the measurements into a BTU calculator. 

2. Setting the Temperature Too Low

A common tactic for air conditioner owners is to drop the thermostat settings way down to reduce the temperature quickly. While this can be tempting when your home is overwhelmingly hot, it doesn’t cool the space any faster; it puts unnecessary strain on the unit and causes energy waste. 

Whether you set the AC temperature to 65°F or 80°F, it cools and disperses air at the same rate. However, setting a lower temperature causes the system to continue working after the room reaches the ideal temperature. The result is a cold house, increased waste, and a higher utility bill. 

To prevent your home from getting too hot, invest in a smart single zone mini split system. This allows you to program your device for a time of your choosing. Some systems even allow for remote access and control using a mobile app.

3. Poor Placement of the Outdoor Unit and Thermostat

The location of the outdoor unit and the thermostat has a major effect on efficiency. Neither component should be placed close to any source of heat or cold, including direct sunlight, a radiator, a window, or an appliance. 

For the outdoor unit, a shaded area is optimal. This placement allows it to operate efficiently without absorbing additional heat from the sun. However, the device also needs space for ventilation. Remove leaves, shrubs, or other obstructions from around it. 

If the thermostat is placed near a heat source or heat-emitting appliance, it may cause inaccurate readings. This throws off the AC system, leading to a poorly temperature-controlled home. 

4. Ignoring Maintenance 

Air conditioners require regular maintenance to operate efficiently and to minimize the effects of wear and tear. Air filters need to be changed frequently to maintain efficiency and air quality. Filters are relatively cheap and easy to replace. They can also be cleaned to increase longevity.

Read the owner's manual of your unit to determine what maintenance is required. Some units need filter changes monthly, while others need filter replacements once every six months. 

As a general rule, you should have your air conditioning system professionally serviced once per year. A qualified HVAC technician can perform routine maintenance and advise you on ways to run your unit more efficiently.

5. Running Your Air Conditioner Inefficiently 

Running your system incorrectly reduces its efficiency and negatively impacts the condition of the unit. Many air conditioner owners leave their device running at a set temperature for extended periods to maintain a desirable home temperature, including when they are away. Although this may keep your home cool, it wastes energy and increases utility bills. 

The most efficient way to run your AC system is to turn your thermostat up when you’re away from home. Although the building will heat up during this period, it reduces waste and keeps your system in better condition for longer. 

Many modern systems are programmable, allowing you to time your temperature adjustments for when you are occupying the house. Smart appliances can be controlled remotely using an app so you can lower the temperature just before you arrive home.

6. Opening Windows

Some of the main reasons behind poorly functioning AC systems are ventilation-related. Open windows and exhaust fans are sources of air loss, which influences the temperature of a space. Air conditioners work on the basis that a room is properly sealed. 

Ensure your windows are closed and exhaust fans are switched off when running your air conditioner. For maximum efficiency, get an energy audit to determine if certain windows or doors are problematic. 

7. Not Using Fans

If your conditioner is struggling to circulate cool air effectively, it may be damaged, worn, or undersized. The best thing to do in this scenario is to have your unit inspected by a professional HVAC technician. However, repairs, replacement parts, or full system replacements can be expensive. If you require a temporary solution, fans can be useful.

Portable or ceiling fans are useful for dispersing air evenly around a space. This creates a more comfortable environment and takes pressure off the AC system.

Don’t Ignore Air Conditioning Problems

There are plenty of ways to maintain an efficient HVAC system. Routine checks, maintenance, and servicing help keep air quality high and energy waste low. No matter how diligent you are with maintenance, however, certain issues are unavoidable. If you detect an issue with your system, don’t ignore it. 

Minor problems are often cheap and easy to solve, but they can lead to more invasive and expensive solutions when left unsolved. Take care of your appliance and avoid common mistakes with your unit this summer.

4 Ways to Make Your Air Conditioning More Efficient This Year

As the summer heat rises, your air conditioner will have an additional strain, and its efficiency can reduce drastically. Furthermore, your power bills will skyrocket as you attempt to keep your house cool and comfortable. Below are ways to ease the burden on your air conditioning system and enable it to operate more efficiently and cut costs on your power bill.

Schedule AC Inspection

One of the most effective ways of increasing your system's efficiency is scheduling an AC tune-up by an HVAC expert. A checkup will reveal any underlying performance problems that could be impeding the system's proper operation. Furthermore, routine maintenance will prolong your air conditioning unit's lifespan and save you money in the long run.

Clean Around the Outside Units

To run at peak performance, your AC's outside units need clear and free air circulation. If your outdoor unit is obstructed by vegetation or debris, it would work even harder than if the place is kept clean. Rake all leaf piles and trim any tall grass, weeds, or shrubs that have sprung up around your unit. Keeping the area clean will improve the system's efficiency (and enhance your home's appearance too).

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

An excellent way to reduce your energy bill is to turn off your unit while not using it. You will manually adjust the thermostat by raising the temperature before leaving your house in the morning and lowering it at night. However, replacing the old thermostat with a new smart thermostat is a better way to make the thermostat functional for you.

Smart thermostats will automatically change the temperature based on a programmed schedule and also lower or increase the temperature when it senses the presence or absence of people in the home. If you link your smart thermostat to your Wireless connection, you can also control the temperature from your smartphone.

Insulate the Ductwork

Do you notice any exposed ductwork in your utility room, basement, or garage? If you do, any cold air in the ducts would warm up before it reaches your space. Your unit would be more efficient if you install insulation to these exposed ducts. This will save you a lot of money on your summer heating costs.

Use the above tips this summer to see how they play on you. Small improvements, when combined, may have a significant impact on the amount of energy used for cooling. Not only can you save cash, but you will make your home more comfortable.

Guest Post - Design Tips: 7 Creative Ideas to Create a Better Foyer

If you're the type of person who invites guests often, then you should consider how your foyer looks. But even without it, your quality of living can improve by creating a better entryway in your house.

With that said, here are seven creative ideas to create a better foyer for your house.

Add a rug or carpet

Adding a rug or carpet in your foyer is an element that will add a bit of visual texture to the floor of your entry.

If you have the space for it, a carpet is an excellent addition aside from your welcome mat by the door. It will instantly elevate the atmosphere of your foyer simply through the carpet's presence.

The carpet or rug is already a welcoming presence when you come in, which is why you should have one. You should place a rug in the foyer if you have no space for a carpet.

Place a console table

When you enter the house into the foyer, a console table is something that you would want to have out of convenience.

You can leave things such as your keys or spare change that you want to put on it. Plus, it helps break up your foyer's monotony without taking up too much space.

It also adds more room for you to work with when you're planning on decorating your foyer.

Light it up

Your foyer is the first welcome that your guests will get upon entry to your home, so you want to make it feel warm and inviting.

Well, you know what's not warm and inviting?

A dark foyer that's poorly lit. If you have a poorly lit foyer, it can make your house look gloomy and cold. Therefore, lighting up your entryway is always a good idea.

Plus, if you want to make your small space look bigger, lighting it up is a simple and effective way to do that. It will be especially great to find a way for natural light to go in your foyer to help keep a refreshing feeling to your entryway.

Pull up a chair

Although the foyer is not a space for hanging around, it would still be helpful if you find a way to incorporate a chair or even a bench right there. You'll find that it's more valuable than you'd think.

When you're removing your shoes or a guest is waiting for you to welcome them, they can sit on the chair. It's a simple addition, but you'll find that it's a lot more convenient, and you'll use it more often than you'd think at first.

Add storage solutions

You're going to need storage solutions in the foyer. You and even your guests will need to store things such as coats, umbrellas, hats, shoes, and so on upon entry to your house.

Therefore, creative storage solutions are something that you'd want.

You need to be creative with this so that they don't look messy and clutter your foyer. If your entry is too crowded, it can make your house look smaller.

Create an accent wall

Creating an accent wall by the foyer is a fun idea if you have a little nook somewhere. It can even be a great spot to take photos in when you have guests over.

It's going to add a splash of something that will make your foyer more interesting to look at. Plus, you won't have to repaint the entirety of your foyer because the accent wall is meant to stand out.

Hang a mirror

A mirror is a beneficial thing to have right by the foyer. Your guests can use it to freshen up, and you can use it to check yourself before heading out the door.

However, it's also valuable for making the foyer look bigger and brighter as the mirror can reflect light around the area.

A well-thought foyer allows you to exude warmth to your returning loved ones and guests. If this interests you, try out the creative foyer decoration ideas listed above and get yourself a foyer that makes you want to stay home.

Author Bio: Robert Helms is a freelance writer based in a NYC. When not writing for clients, he spends most of his time on DIY projects that can make his 800 sqft. apartment a home. 

8 Smart Tips to Maintain a Healthy Home Environment

Home is where we feel safe and rested. However, it takes an effort and commitment to create a home that’s comfortable and clean. A healthy home environment means a healthy space for everyone living in the house. 

A safe and comfortable home is necessary for your physical, mental, and emotional health. To create that space, you need to consider several factors that can influence how the home feels. Creating a healthy home is challenging because we are constantly exposed to chemicals or toxins everywhere. 

Nonetheless, there are things you can do to maintain a healthy home environment for the family. It is crucial, especially when you have children at home. 

Avoid toxic products

You may not avoid all toxic products, but there are things you can do to reduce their use and exposure. Opt for non-toxic cleaners. Substitute this with eco-friendly cleaners, which are safe for the environment and humans. You can find many options for non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaners in the market, or you can make your own using natural ingredients such as baking soda. It is affordable and can be an all-around cleaner.

Another way to reduce the use of toxic cleaners is to use microfiber cloths when cleaning since it attracts and absorbs dirt more. Aside from cleaners, pesticides and repellents can contain toxic chemicals. 

Open the windows

Poor indoor air quality is caused by poor ventilation. It will also promote mold growth, which can irritate the nose and lungs and trigger an allergic reaction in some people. 

The easiest way to improve ventilation is to open the windows around the house. It will promote air circulation and prevent stagnant air. The clean air outside can help flush out pollutants inside the home. If you have air conditioning or a heater, make sure to clean the system regularly. 

Aside from improved air ventilation, opening the window allows the sunlight to come in. The UV rays can kill bacteria and help significantly in improving your mood. 

Add some plants

Adding plants indoors can improve your health because they breathe in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Plants can absorb harmful toxins and improve the overall air condition indoors. 

Plus, greenery has therapeutic effects on the mind, body, and soul. Popular indoor plants are Snake Plant, Aloe Vera, and Spider Plant. The presence of plants can freshen and calm our surroundings.

House cleaning

Keeping a regular schedule for cleaning is one of the keys to maintaining a healthy home. To avoid feeling overwhelmed with cleaning, you can do it by space by space. For deep cleaning, set a dedicated day because it will usually take more time. 

When cleaning your kitchen, pay specific attention to the countertop, cutting board, and sponges because this is where cross-contamination can happen. Have separate boards for raw meat and vegetables. For the countertop, make sure to sanitize after every use and eliminate the presence of bacteria in sponges; put it in a microwave for two minutes and air dry it after. 

Dust is also another concern in the house because it can trigger various health issues such as asthma and allergies. Using a vacuum and keeping the house well ventilated can help reduce dust. 

Check for unsafe condition

Doing maintenance checks is part of keeping the home environment safe and healthy. Examples of unsafe conditions are water leaks or structural damage. Check your attic for any water leaks, as this may compromise your ventilation and cause further damage. For older homes, have an asbestos inspection or lead paint testing to prevent serious health problems. 

Eliminate Pests

Keep pests out of the house because it carries various diseases, especially when you have kids. Some opt to use pesticides, but it exposes you to harmful chemicals. The best way to deal with pesticides is to prevent them from coming. Store food properly, and avoid leaving leftovers on the table or countertop. If you have pets, keep them clean using medicated soap. There is also plenty of natural pest repellent you can use that is much safer when you have kids. 

Be careful with toxic gas

Carbon monoxide poisoning and radon are some of the common gas poisonings that can happen in your home. Radon is a radioactive gas from uranium when it breaks down in the soil. It is colorless and odorless and can only be detected using a test kit, which you can find in stores. 

Carbon monoxide is also odorless gas that can easily cause intoxication and death. This gas is caused by incomplete burning of fuel such as kerosene and propane. Make sure your heating system and other fuel-burning equipment are functioning correctly. Installing a carbon monoxide detector can help detect early poisoning.

Wash your sheets regularly

The bedroom is our intimate space, but it is often overlooked. Humans shed millions of cells daily, along with other dirt such as dander and sweat. Washing the sheets regularly minimizes the risk of carrying all the bacteria and dirt while we are sleeping. It also reduces the risk of molds in the room.

Conclusion

From regular cleaning routines to reducing the presence of toxic substances at home and making sure the overall structures of the house are safe and secured, maintaining a healthy home is hard work. You can ensure a safe environment to live in with these smart steps taken.