For several Providence tenants, heating and cooling bills make up over half of a household’s total utility expenses. Nothing feels better than air conditioning in warm weather. Be careful, though, because using it can easily drive up costs. Hence, 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.
At least once a year, clean your air conditioner. This will increase its efficiency. If your unit sits on the ground, make sure to clear away any leaves or debris that may have fallen on or around it. You can always 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 typically found 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. The efficiency of airflow starts with clearing items away from indoor vents and making sure the vents are vacuumed. This ensures that your AC system does a better job of distributing cold air in the house. It’s worth considering keeping your interior doors open and adjusting the vents in any rooms that are not used daily. To keep the cold air inside, close your blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day. Installing good quality weather-stripping around each door and window is an excellent way to do this, as well. This will prevent air leaks and keep the cold air circulating inside the house where it belongs.
There are ways you can ensure that your air conditioning system is not pushing itself harder than it should. Raising your thermostat setting by two or three degrees can decrease the strain on your AC. Most experts recommend keeping it at 78 degrees when you are at home, and a bit higher when you’re gone. The cooling breeze from your air conditioning unit will circulate faster if you use a fan. Using a ceiling fan or table fan in certain rooms can help boost your air conditioning unit’s functionality and maintain a comfortable temperature.
Lastly, let’s discuss 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 cooking is something that you need to do, 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 Cache Valley, 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 Providence property manager, contact us online or call us at 435-753-5200.
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