For many tenants, heating and cooling bills contribute to over half of a household’s total utility expenses. During warm weather, using air conditioning can drive up costs and take money away from other things. This makes it essential to do what you can to keep utilities as low as possible.
As the property owner, performing essential maintenance on your air conditioning unit and following a few simple strategies can help you optimize your air conditioning system and keep your expenses under control.
Perform essential HVAC maintenance regularly
One of the most effective ways to increase your air conditioning unit’s efficiency is to clean it regularly at least once a year. If your unit sits on the ground, clear away any leaves or debris that may have fallen on or around it. You can also clean your unit’s condenser coils and drain lines yourself or have a professional do it.
Most air conditioning units have a drain by the indoor cooling coil, which is usually located near your furnace. You can easily clear it by pouring one cup of bleach down the drain and then rinsing it with a gallon of water.
Prevent the HVAC from working harder than it should
Another vital part of optimizing your air conditioning system is making airflow more efficient. A great place to start is to clear items away from your indoor vents and vacuum them out. This will help your AC system distribute cold air more efficiently throughout the house.
It also enables you to keep your interior doors open and adjust the vents in any rooms that are not used daily. Close your blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day to keep the cold air inside. Also, check that you have good quality weather-stripping around each door and window. This will prevent air leaks and keep the cold air circulating inside the house where it belongs.
Raising your thermostat setting by two or three degrees can reduce the strain on your air conditioning unit. Most experts recommend keeping it at 78 degrees at home and a bit higher when you’re gone. Also, using a fan with your air conditioning can help circulate the air faster and offer a nice cooling breeze. Routinely using a ceiling fan or table fan in certain rooms can help boost your air conditioning unit’s functionality and maintain a comfortable temperature.
Avoid adding extra heat sources
Cooking, using the oven, or running the clothes dryer can all heat up your house. Using these appliances during the hottest parts of the day can make your air conditioning unit work even harder. Try using your appliances in the morning or at night only during the warmest months. If you do need to cook, use your exhaust fan to pull the heat out of the house or a floor fan to help it disperse. Doing so can help keep your kitchen from becoming the hottest spot in the house.
Following simple strategies and regular maintenance can optimize your air conditioning system and reduce utility and repair costs throughout the summer.
At Real Property Management Rocket City, we take pride in maintaining all our rental properties to the highest standards, ensuring that every aspect, including air conditioning systems, functions optimally. Our dedicated team is committed to providing a comfortable living experience for our tenants. Do you need professional property management services in Madison or nearby? Contact us online or call us directly at 256-801-2626. We’re here to assist you!
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