For many tenants, heating and cooling bills account for over half of a household’s total utility expenses, with air conditioning driving up costs significantly during warm weather. As a property owner, it’s essential to keep utilities as low as possible to manage expenses effectively. By performing essential maintenance on your air conditioning unit and adopting smart strategies, you can optimize your air conditioning system , increase your air conditioning unit’s efficiency, and keep expenses under control while ensuring a comfortable environment for your tenants.
Perform essential HVAC maintenance regularly
Regular upkeep is key to maintaining an efficient air conditioning system. Start by clearing away any leaves or debris from the outdoor unit to ensure proper airflow and cooling performance. This simple step prevents blockages that can strain the system. Next, clean your unit’s condenser coils annually to remove dirt that hampers heat transfer, which is crucial for efficiency. For air conditioning units with an indoor cooling coil near the furnace, keep it dust-free to maintain optimal operation. Additionally, inspect the drain lines for clogs; if they’re blocked, have a professional service the unit or clear them yourself. To prevent drainage issues, clear it by pouring one cup of bleach down the drain followed by rinsing it with a gallon of water to flush out buildup. These maintenance tasks ensure your air conditioning unit operates at peak performance, reducing utility costs and repair needs.
Prevent the HVAC from working harder than it should
Optimizing airflow and minimizing heat gain are critical to reducing the workload on your air conditioning system. Begin by clearing items away from your indoor vents and vacuuming them to help your AC system distribute cold air evenly throughout the property. Keep your interior doors open to promote circulation and close your blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day to block out heat. Installing good quality weather-stripping around doors and windows is also essential to prevent air leaks and keep the cold air circulating inside. Consider raising your thermostat by two or three degrees to 78 degrees at home, which can reduce the strain on your air conditioning unit without sacrificing comfort. Pairing a fan with your air conditioning, such as a ceiling fan or table fan, helps circulate the air faster and boosts your air conditioning unit’s functionality, enhancing tenant comfort.
Avoid adding extra heat sources
Heat-generating activities can counteract your air conditioning system’s efforts. Avoid cooking with the oven or running the clothes dryer—appliances that all heat up your house—during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, opt for using your appliances in the morning or at night to ease the load on your air conditioning unit. In the warmest months, use an exhaust fan to pull the heat out of the house after cooking or other heat-intensive tasks to keep indoor temperatures manageable. These adjustments help maintain a cooler indoor environment, reducing strain and utility costs.
By combining regular maintenance with smart operational strategies, you can optimize your air conditioning system, lower utility bills, and enhance tenant satisfaction throughout the summer. At Real Property Management Boston, we take pride in maintaining all our rental properties to the highest standards, ensuring air conditioning systems run efficiently for providing a comfortable living experience. Need expert property management services in Roslindale? Contact us online or call us at 617-522-0099 today—we’re here to help!
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