Across many rental properties, heating and cooling bills often represent more than half of a household’s total utility expenses, posing a challenge for tenants trying to manage their budgets effectively. During warmer seasons, reliance on air conditioning can substantially elevate these costs, pulling funds away from other vital priorities. As a property owner, finding ways to keep utilities as low as possible becomes a critical responsibility to maintain profitability and tenant satisfaction. By committing to essential maintenance on your air conditioning unit and adopting practical habits, you can optimize your air conditioning system, ensuring expenses under control remain manageable while delivering a pleasant living space for those renting your properties.
Perform essential HVAC maintenance regularly
A highly effective method to increase your air conditioning unit’s efficiency involves thoroughly cleaning your air conditioning unit at least annually to sustain optimal performance throughout its lifespan. If it’s positioned outdoors on the ground, be sure to clear away any leaves or debris that might have piled up around its base, as this clutter can obstruct airflow significantly. Additionally, take time to clean your unit’s condenser coils, eliminating dust and grime that impair heat dissipation over time. Don’t overlook the drain lines either; if they’re clogged, you might need to have a professional address the issue, though many air conditioning units allow DIY fixes. Typically, the drain sits near the indoor cooling coil, often close to the furnace in your setup. To unclog it, clear it by pouring one cup of bleach down the drain, followed by rinsing it with a gallon of water to flush out residue and prevent future blockages from forming.
Prevent the HVAC from working harder than it should
Efficient air circulation plays a pivotal role in optimizing your air conditioning system for consistent cooling across every room in the property you oversee. Begin by clearing items away from your indoor vents, then vacuum them to remove dust that might hinder airflow over time. This practice will help your AC system distribute cold air evenly throughout the living spaces. It’s equally wise to keep your interior doors open, promoting unrestricted air movement throughout the home.
When the hottest parts of the day arrive, close your blinds or curtains to shield interiors from intense sunlight pouring through windows. Ensure doors and windows feature good quality weather-stripping to prevent air leaks and keep the cold air circulating inside effectively all day long. Consider raising your thermostat by two or three degrees, aiming for 78 degrees at home, to reduce the strain on your air conditioning unit without compromising tenant comfort noticeably.
Pairing a fan with your air conditioning, like a ceiling fan or table fan, can circulate the air faster and boost your air conditioning unit’s functionality, enhancing overall cooling sensations.
Avoid adding extra heat sources
Daily activities can unintentionally raise indoor temperatures, forcing your air conditioning unit to expend extra effort to maintain coolness throughout the property’s interior spaces. Tasks such as cooking with the oven or operating the clothes dryer—appliances that all heat up your house—should be avoided during the hottest parts of the day to minimize unnecessary warmth accumulation indoors.
Instead, shift to using your appliances in the morning or at night, when external temperatures drop naturally. During the warmest months, if cooking is unavoidable, activate an exhaust fan to pull the heat out of the house, mitigating the thermal burden on your cooling system effectively.
By integrating regular maintenance can optimize your air conditioning system with these operational adjustments, you’ll lower utility costs, minimize repair needs, and keep tenants content during summer’s heat. At Real Property Management Washington DC, we excel at maintaining all our rental properties, ensuring air conditioning systems operate at peak efficiency for providing a comfortable living experience. Seeking property management services in Capitol Hill? Contact us online or dial 202-813-9993 today for support!
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