During the warmest months, air conditioning usage tends to spike, which means many tenants see their heating and cooling bills rise significantly. In fact, cooling often accounts for more than half of a household’s total utility expenses. That’s why knowing how to keep utilities as low as possible is key.
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
A well-maintained system runs more efficiently. To increase your air conditioning unit’s efficiency, it’s important to keep it clean and have it serviced at least once per year. If your unit is outdoors, be sure to clear away any leaves or debris that may have built up around it. Make time to clean your unit’s condenser coils, drain lines, and filters, or hire a professional for a thorough job.
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 is crucial to optimize your air conditioning system. Begin by clearing items away from your indoor vents and vacuuming them to remove dust buildup. This allows the system to distribute cold air more evenly throughout your home.
Leave interior doors open when possible, and in underused rooms, adjust the vents to redirect airflow. To reduce heat inside, close your blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day. Also, apply good quality weather-stripping around windows and doors to prevent air leaks and keep the cold air circulating inside.
A minor change like raising your thermostat by two or three degrees can lower your cooling costs without much impact on comfort. Aim for 78 degrees at home and go higher when you’re away. Adding a fan with your air conditioning—whether it’s a ceiling fan or table fan—can circulate the air faster, enhancing your AC’s effectiveness. This combo can boost your air conditioning unit’s functionality while keeping your home cool.
Avoid adding extra heat sources
Running the oven, cooking, or doing laundry with the clothes dryer in the afternoon can significantly raise your indoor temperature, making your air conditioning unit work harder. A simple fix is to use your appliances in the morning or at night when it’s cooler outside. Need to cook midday? Turn on your exhaust fan to pull the heat out of the house or use a standing fan to redirect the hot air. These quick adjustments can ease the strain on your AC system.
At Real Property Management Homestead, we focus on maintaining all our rental properties—including keeping air conditioning systems in top shape. Our priority is to provide a comfortable living experience for every resident. Interested in local property management services in Salem? Contact us online or give us a call at 435-269-4440. Let’s talk!
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.
