Heating and cooling bills often exceed half of a household’s total utility expenses, driven by heavy air conditioning use in summer. Property owners aiming to keep utilities as low as possible can achieve this with essential maintenance on their air conditioning unit. Smart strategies optimize your air conditioning system and keep your expenses under control.
Perform essential HVAC maintenance regularly
One of the best ways to increase your air conditioning unit’s efficiency is to clean it properly 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
Efficient airflow aids in optimizing your air conditioning system. Clear items away from your indoor vents to help your AC system distribute cold air. Keep your interior doors open, tweaking vents in unused areas. Close your blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day, and install good quality weather-stripping to prevent air leaks and keep the cold air circulating inside.
Raising your thermostat by two or three degrees to 78 degrees at home will reduce the strain on your air conditioning unit. Use a fan with your air conditioning, such as a ceiling fan or table fan, to circulate the air faster and boost your air conditioning unit’s functionality.
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.
These efforts, paired with regular maintenance can optimize your air conditioning system, lower costs. Real Property Management Ignite excels at maintaining all our rental properties, optimizing air conditioning systems for providing a comfortable living experience. Explore property management services in Prineville—Contact us at 541-550-7002.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
