For a lot of Capitol Hill tenants, heating and cooling bills make up over half of a household’s total utility expenses. Warm weather can drive up the costs for the usage of air conditioning. Always take note of when and when not to use your AC. This is why it’s significant to do what you can to keep utilities as low as possible. Performing basic maintenance on your air conditioning unit is part of the package of being a property owner. Maintenance will mean your air conditioning unit stays optimized so that the utility bills are kept under control.
If you want to increase the efficiency of your unit, clean it at least once a year. If your unit sits on the ground, make sure to clear away any leaves or debris that may have fallen on or around it. One way is to clean your unit’s condenser coils and your drain line or have a professional come out and do it. Most air conditioning units have a drain by the indoor cooling coil, which is most likely 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.
Another important part of optimizing your air conditioning system is to make airflow more efficient. One way you can do that is to clear items from your indoor vents and make sure to vacuum them. When this happens, your AC system will do a better job of distributing cold air. It helps to keep your interior doors open and adjust the vents in rooms that aren’t used daily. To keep the cold air inside, close your blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day. It’s a great idea to install 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.
Find ways to restrict your air conditioning system from running harder than it should. Raising your thermostat setting by two or three degrees can relieve the strain on your unit. Most experts recommend keeping it at 78 degrees when you are at home, and a bit higher when you’re gone. It’s a good idea to use a fan along with your AC so that the cooling breeze can circulate faster. Regularly using a ceiling fan or table fan in certain rooms can help boost your air conditioning unit’s functionality and maintain a comfortable temperature.
In conclusion, let’s go into avoiding adding extra sources of heat to your home’s interior. Cooking, using the oven, or running the clothes dryer can all heat your house. If you use these appliances during the hottest parts of the day, it can make your air conditioning unit work even harder. During the warmest months, try to use your appliances either in the morning or at night. This will help your air conditioner work more effectively and keep your house cool all day long. If something needs to be cooked, use your exhaust fan to pull the heat out of the house or a floor fan to help it disperse. By doing this, you can help keep your kitchen cool and comfortable for yourself.
By following a few simple strategies and performing regular maintenance, you can optimize your air conditioning system and keep your utility costs down all summer long.
At Real Property Management Washington DC, we make sure to keep all of our rentals (including their air conditioning) in tip-top shape. If you’re interested in talking to a Capitol Hill property manager, contact us online or call us at 202-813-9993.
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