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13 air conditioner mistakes that waste energy and money

13 air conditioner mistakes that waste energy and money

Air conditioners are not only effective in facilitating cool air but also in removing excess moisture, dehumidifying the room, and removing mold and pollutants from the air. Such functions help manage asthma attacks and other respiratory conditions among those prone to these diseases. Maintaining an air conditioner is important to ensure its optimal functioning over time. With that in mind, here are 13 common mistakes to avoid that can increase energy and money wastage:

Not cleaning the coils and fins of the AC
The coils and fins of an air conditioning system help absorb heat effectively. With time, dust and grime accumulate in the air conditioner’s coils and fins, reducing its efficiency and increasing maintenance costs in the long run. Therefore, it is important to regularly clean the coils and fins of an AC, particularly when the weather is windy or stormy.

Ignoring the drain
Drains redirect accumulated water outside the premises where they are installed and prevent the development of mold and mildew. If the air conditioner’s drain gets clogged with time, it can cause severe damage to the surrounding areas, including walls and floors. One should check the AC’s drain every now and then and promptly treat any drainage issues to prevent such damage.

Lowering the AC temperature too much
Contrary to popular belief, setting the AC temperature very low does not ensure faster cooling. In fact, air conditioners require just as much energy to lower the temperature to one or two degrees as they do to lower it by 10-15 degrees. Therefore, lowering the AC temperature makes no significant difference in terms of cooling. Moreover, lowering the temperature by one unit increases energy consumption by 6 percent. So, it is more cost-effective to maintain AC temperature rather than change it frequently.

Not using ceiling or table fans
Any type of fan can considerably help with ventilation and ensure air cooling in a room. It also reduces the need to have the AC turned on at all times. Installing two to three ceiling fans in large rooms and at least one fan in smaller ones can help reduce energy consumption and lower electricity bills.

Not placing the thermostats in the right place
If a thermostat is placed in an area receiving direct sunlight or near a lamp or some other source of light, it could affect the thermostat readings and exert pressure on the air conditioning system, even if the weather is actually cool. Hence, it is important to install thermostats at the right locations to prevent the AC from overworking.

Blocking AC vents
Sometimes, one may accidentally place a piece of furniture in front of the AC vent without realizing that the vent is getting blocked. Blocking the AC vent can reduce air circulation considerably, causing one to have the AC turned on for longer periods than required. For this reason, one should ensure that the AC vents are not obstructed.

Forgetting to turn off the AC when stepping out
One of the most common mistakes that can considerably increase energy consumption is forgetting to turn off the AC when it is not in use. Having the AC turned on for long periods can cause one’s electricity bills to shoot up significantly. It is important to turn off the AC each time before stepping out, even if it is for a brief while.

Not having a programmable thermostat
It is common for people to forget to adjust their thermostat when leaving the house in a hurry. However, installing a programmable thermostat can automatically regulate the temperature while away, resulting in significant savings on electricity bills.

Not getting the AC checked and serviced regularly
Servicing an air conditioning system can help detect any issues and remedy them promptly. It can also help clean the various components of an AC and increase its efficiency and durability. It is advisable to get an AC system serviced at least once a year and more frequently if the AC is older.

Not having blinds drawn
Bright sunlight can considerably increase pressure on one’s air conditioning system and raise electricity bills. Blinds and curtains protect one’s home from direct sunlight and keep it cool throughout, particularly during the summer. One should have the blinds drawn when the AC is turned on during the day.

Not closing the windows regularly
It is important to close the windows of a room each time the AC is turned on, as keeping them open can cause excess moisture to enter the home. This increases pressure on the AC system, causing electricity bills to shoot up.

Installing an oversized AC
An oversized air conditioning unit causes the room to cool down unusually fast, which reduces the coil’s ability to condense water efficiently. Consequently, the moisture is redirected to the room, causing an increase in energy consumption.

Turning the AC on during winters
Turning on the AC during snowy weather can unnecessarily increase energy consumption. Instead, it is best to enjoy naturally cool weather whenever possible rather than having the AC turned on throughout the year. If the nights are colder than the days, the best option is to turn them on only during the day. This simple change can help reduce energy usage and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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13 Tips to Make a Low-Vision Friendly Home

If you are one of the millions affected by macular degeneration, you must know that this degenerative eye disease can make everyday activities difficult. Even something as simple as reading a book or watching TV can be challenging. For example, you can do a few things to stay comfortably at home with low vision. In this article, we will share 13 tips on making a low-vision-friendly home to make everyday living easier. What is macular degeneration? It is a condition that impacts the macula, which is the central part of the retina, and occurs when the macula deteriorates or breaks down. Macular degeneration symptoms Symptoms of macular degeneration include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty reading or seeing fine details, and a change in color perception. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see an eye doctor for a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Why does a low-vision-friendly home play a crucial part in patients with macular degeneration? A low-vision-friendly home design helps people with macular degeneration live as independently as possible while still enjoying their surroundings. In addition, it can provide them with a safe and functional environment to improve their contrast and visibility. Helpful tips for a low-vision friendly home Use bright and contrasting colors Using bright colors can help make objects more visible and easier to see. This will help to increase the visibility of things in your environment and make it easier to navigate. Make sure there is plenty of natural light during the day, and consider installing additional lighting fixtures to help brighten up the space. Keep things organized and uncluttered One of the most important things you can do to help manage macular degeneration is to keep things organized and uncluttered. Try keeping all your documents in one place (like on a computer or filing cabinet) rather than scattering them around the house. And be sure to create systems (like color-coding) so that everything is easy to identify. In addition, avoid clutter by storing items that don't have a specific purpose (like decorations). Use clear labels To make your home low-vision friendly, you'll need to use clear labels on everything in the room so that people with macular degeneration can identify what's important. For example, label all furniture and appliances to indicate where they should sit or stand to avoid obstructing views. Incorporate different textures One of the best ways to make a home for someone with macular degeneration is to incorporate different textures and patterns into the space. This can help stimulate the senses, which in turn can improve moods and cognitive function. Use tactile cues One way to make things easier is to use tactile cues – little touches or nudges that help you know where something is. For example, if you're trying to find a mug in the kitchen cabinet, feel around for it until you find the right spot, and then grab it. You can also put a rug at the base of your stairs so that you can feel it when you've reached the bottom step or place a mat in front of your door so that you know when you've reached the threshold. Use ramping and raised edges Ramping is a gradual incline that can make it easier to get around your home. Raised edges can help you avoid bumping into furniture or tripping over objects. Install handrails Handrails are a great way to make homes more accessible for people with low vision. It can be installed on stairs, hallways, and anywhere else helpful. Handrails provide a stable surface for people to hold on to while navigating around the house to help them stay upright. Use non-slip flooring One simple tip is to use non-slip flooring throughout your home. This can help prevent falls and other accidents, especially for those with low vision. In these cases, you must have as much traction as possible when walking around your home so that you don't fall and injure yourself. Make doorways and hallways wider This will allow you to navigate more easily around your home and avoid obstacles while walking. Wider doorways also make it easier for caregivers or family members to get in and out of the house without going through tight spaces. Install assistive technology This can help with everything from reading and writing to cooking and cleaning. There are several different types of assistive technology available, so it's crucial to find one that's right for your needs. For example, if you need help with reading, special magnifiers and software can enlarge text on a screen or piece of paper. Some devices read text aloud, which can be very helpful for cooking or following a recipe. Installing assistive technology in your home can make a big difference in your quality of life if you have macular degeneration. It can help you stay independent and connected to the things you love. Modify your appliances One of the most important things is to modify your appliances. For example, if you have a stovetop with knobs on the front, you can replace those knobs with ones that are easier to see and use. Also, keep cords and wires hidden to help prevent trips and falls and reduce visual clutter. Use non-slip mats in the bath and shower Slippery surfaces can make it difficult for those with macular degeneration to get around safely and increase their risk of falling. To make your home as low-vision friendly as possible, put non-slip mats in the bath and shower. These mats help keep water from pooling on the floor, creating a non-slippery surface, providing an extra layer of traction, and preventing falls. Use bright paint on doors One simple tip is to use bright paint on your doors. This will make them easier to see, especially if you have trouble with contrast sensitivity. For example, you can add a reflective tape strip to the door's top and bottom for even more visibility. Conclusion A low-vision-friendly home can make a big difference in the lives of people with macular degeneration to maintain their independence and quality of life.

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9 unreliable spots to hide jewelry at home

Jewelry is one of the most expensive items one can have in their home. Therefore, it is natural for an individual to be worried about a break-in. While no one can predict a theft, one can always take precautionary measures to prepare for such events, like keeping the jewels in a bank. However, many homeowners hide their jewelry in common places at home, assuming the thieves won't find it. Here are nine such places that one should avoid. Prescription cabinet Prescription cabinets have doubled up as makeshift jewelry safes for years. Unfortunately, there isn't any security to it. Almost everyone has access to a prescription cabinet. Furthermore, burglars may steal anything, including prescriptions. These are not available easily in the market, and the thief could sell them for additional money. Therefore, prescription cabinets should never be used to hide anything valuable at home. Toilet tanks Toilet tanks are a common hiding place for valuables, but they are not safe options. People often put the expensive contents in a ziplock bag or waterproof container and submerge them in the tank to keep them hidden from potential theft. However, this is not a secure location as movies and TV shows have popularized it, and many people know it. It is also not recommended to place important documents in these containers or bags as they may get damaged if water seeps through them. Laundry basket Many people believe that thieves would never go through a pile of dirty clothes, so they tend to hide their jewelry in this spot until the laundry needs to be washed. However, this is actually one of the worst places to hide valuables. Burglars may consider a laundry basket a jackpot when they rob a home. This is because people usually forget to empty their pockets while throwing clothes in the laundry, so burglars already think they may find something in the lot. When they go through the laundry, such as jeans and dresses, the valuables hidden in the heap may fall out. Safes A safe, despite its build quality, is often the first thing that catches a thief's attention. It symbolizes that something valuable is inside, making it one of the first places a robber checks for valuables. To ensure the safety of the jewelry, it is important to position the safe correctly. It should be stationary and disguised to match the furniture or interiors of the home. If the safe is visible and movable, the thief may steal the safe itself along with the valuable contents. Vases It is not advisable to use empty vases or pots to store valuable items such as jewelry. Although it may seem like a convenient option due to the dark spaces inside these decorative items, they are some of the first places a thief may check when robbing a home. All the thief needs to do is empty the pot or vase to check if there's something hidden inside. In some cases, the burglar might even break the pot in search of valuables. While this may save them time looking for expensive baubles, it can cost the homeowner a lot to clean up later. Bedroom Many people believe that hiding their valuables, such as cash or jewelry, under a mattress in the bedroom is a safe option when someone is at home. However, this is not always the case. In fact, it is one of the most unsafe places to hide any belongings. A burglar may not hesitate to harm people in search of valuable items and may not even care for their own life. It is also not advisable to keep any important documentation or cash in the children's bedroom, even if it seems like a good hiding spot among the toys and other tiny accessories. This can put those living in the room at risk of a break-in. Closets There are better ideas than hiding valuables in the closet because it is the most common place for burglars to look during the theft. Some closets may have a secret hiding spot, which can be useful if the homeowner finds a clever way to hide their valuables. However, experts indicate that it may be an unsafe place to store precious metals because closets are typically located in the bedroom. This means that a thief may endanger the homeowner's life when attempting to steal from the closet. Drawers One of the first common mistakes people make is storing their jewelry in drawers. Since this is a prominent hiding place, burglars often rush straight to the drawers to look for valuables. One should also avoid keeping other important identification or financial documents in a drawer, considering that identity thefts are on the rise. Additionally, hiding jewelry under clothes is not the best option either, as it's easy for someone to overturn a drawer and find precious metals. Refrigerators Refrigerators have been used for various purposes, including hiding and storing fine jewelry. Many people often wrap the contents in foil paper, place them in a box, or use other DIY methods found on the internet to hide them in the freezer, labeling them as food. While this might seem like a creative solution, one should note that burglars are aware of this tactic and might check the refrigerator for jewelry. Therefore, it is best to avoid refrigerators as a top hiding spot. Additionally, pop culture shows and movies have highlighted this hiding spot, making it less of a secret place to hide things.

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01

All About Age-related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the top causes of vision loss in people aged sixty and older. It is a disease that hampers your sharp, central vision. Central vision is pivotal to helping you see objects clearly and do tasks like driving and reading. AMD impairs your macula, the part of the eye that helps you see fine detail. It is not painful, but it kills the cells in the macula. It starts with blurred vision, but you gradually lose central sight. Seeing crooked lines is one of the initial AMD signs. In this guide, we will discuss everything related to AMD in detail. Types of AMD Dry People with dry AMD have drusen or yellow spots in the macula. Small drusen might not necessarily impair your vision, but as they grow in size and increase in number, they distort and dim your vision, especially as you read. Over time the condition worsens, and the light-sensitive cells in the macula get thinner and die eventually. If it is in the atrophic form, you will experience a blind spot in the center of the vision. Consequently, it worsens, and you lose central sight. Wet Blood vessels grow below the macula.
02

9 Laundry Detergents for Fresh Smelling Clothes

There’s nothing worse than putting on a shirt that smells of body odor or rancid sweat. It’s even more frustrating when you wash it and it still smells terrible. Many people are looking for ways to keep their clothes smelling great without using harsh chemicals. If you’re looking for a laundry detergent that keeps your clothes smelling fresh, we have some suggestions for you. Keep reading to find the perfect laundry detergent for your needs. Method Laundry Detergent With Method Laundry Detergent, you can enjoy your laundry experience while knowing that you’re doing good for the environment. This plant-based detergent uses 66 loads worth of stain-lifting power to clean your clothes, while the fresh air scent of lavender and cypress will leave them smelling great. Moreover, it’s vegan and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using it. This mild detergent has an effective formula that is both safe for you and the environment, and it is reasonably priced at $14.49 for 53.5 fl oz. Additionally, it comes with various fresh scents to choose from, so you can enjoy clean and fragrant clothes without harsh chemicals. ZUM Frankincense & Myrrh Laundry Detergent This detergent is made with gentle ingredients, sensitive launderers in mind, and a mix of saponified coconut oil and deep-cleansing agents to lift stains and leave your clothes smelling great.
03

Tips to Manage Age-related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition threatening one’s eyesight and general health. In AMD, the macula, the part of the eye that helps produce the most detailed and sharpest vision, starts to break down and thin, resulting in vision loss. It is one of the most prevalent causes of blindness in people aged 60 or older. Though there is no definite cure for AMD, some things can postpone its onset or lower its severity. Being aware of family history Family history and genetics are one of the leading causes of AMD. So, if you have a first-degree relative with AMD, your chances of developing it are also higher. Hence, you must be vigilant and educate yourself on the potential AMD signs, such as the inability to adapt to low light conditions, difficulty identifying faces, and straight lines looking wavy. Knowledge of these symptoms can help you reach out to an ophthalmologist and get timely treatment while AMD is still in an early stage. Getting routine comprehensive medical checkups In the early stages of AMD, you might not experience any symptoms. Hence, routine comprehensive eye exams with an ophthalmologist can help with timely diagnosis and treatment. It holds even for adults 40 or older with no risk factors or signs because this is when you may develop early AMD symptoms or experience changes in vision.
04

Foods to Eat and Avoid After Dental Implants

Dental implants are a major surgical procedure. Hence, you must take the necessary post-operative measures to ensure a speedy recovery. One of the first things you will feel after the surgery is hunger, as dental implants demand abstaining from food for six hours since the procedure temporarily impacts your chewing ability. So, you must adhere to selective foods and avoid some, especially for two weeks. Therefore, here’s a list of foods to eat and avoid: Foods to eat Smoothies In the initial days post-surgery, you may be unable to chew your favorite food. So, the next best thing is drinking it as a smoothie. Smoothies are wholesome and tasty meals. You can make them with whatever vegetable or fruits you like, ensuring they have a high nutritional value and are rich in vitamins. Muffins You might be unable to eat the muffins on the first or the second-day post-surgery, but after the initial few days, you can easily enjoy a good muffin. They are easy to chew and are very delicious. Hence, they can be an incredible snack or breakfast option following dental implant surgery. Potatoes They are versatile and soft. You can prepare them in different ways. So, even if you eat the same ingredient, you will not get bored.

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