For countless tenants, heating and cooling bills often comprise more than half of a household’s total utility expenses, posing a persistent challenge to their financial planning each month without exception. Especially in hot weather, air conditioning can sharply increase these costs, diverting resources from other critical needs over time. As a property owner, it’s vital to keep utilities as low as possible to protect your bottom line while ensuring tenant retention remains strong. By prioritizing essential maintenance on your air conditioning unit and embracing a few straightforward tactics, you can optimize your air conditioning system, keeping expenses under control in check and maintaining a welcoming environment for all renters under your care
Perform essential HVAC maintenance regularly
One top way to increase your air conditioning unit’s efficiency is to clean your air conditioning unit meticulously at least once yearly, preserving its performance across seasons without compromise. If it rests on the ground outside, always clear away any leaves or debris that may have accumulated around its perimeter, as this clutter can choke airflow considerably over time. Don’t forget to clean your unit’s condenser coils , wiping away dirt that disrupts heat expulsion and lowers efficiency gradually. Inspect the drain lines for obstructions too; if they’re blocked, you can have a professional resolve it or handle it yourself if you’re equipped. Most air conditioning units feature a drain near the indoor cooling coil, typically located beside the furnace in your property. To keep it clear,
clear it by pouring one cup of bleach down the drain, then rinsing it with a gallon of water to rinse out debris and thwart future clogs effectively.
Prevent the HVAC from working harder than it should
Smooth airflow is crucial for optimizing your air conditioning system to deliver consistent cooling throughout your rental property without undue effort over time. Kick off by clearing items away from your indoor vents, then vacuum them to eliminate dust that might restrict air movement noticeably. This will help your AC system distribute cold air uniformly across all rooms without hindrance. It’s also smart to keep your interior doors open, enabling air to travel freely throughout the home’s entirety.
During the hottest parts of the day, close your blinds or curtains to deflect sunlight that could heat up interiors excessively. Confirm that windows and doors boast good quality weather-stripping to prevent air leaks and keep the cold air circulating inside reliably all day long.
Experiment with raising your thermostat by two or three degrees, aiming for 78 degrees at home, to reduce the strain on your air conditioning unit while keeping conditions tolerable for occupants. 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, heightening the cooling impact significantly.
Avoid adding extra heat sources
Everyday tasks can unintentionally boost indoor temperatures, pushing your air conditioning unit to labor harder to sustain a cool environment throughout the property consistently. Things like cooking with the oven or using the clothes dryer—appliances that all heat up your house—should be skipped during the hottest parts of the day to curb excess heat buildup indoors.
Instead, plan on using your appliances in the morning or at night, when outdoor temperatures naturally ease off considerably. In the warmest months, if cooking is essential, turn on an exhaust fan to pull the heat out of the house, alleviating the cooling system’s workload noticeably over time.
Merging regular maintenance can optimize your air conditioning system with these practical steps trims utility costs, cuts repair demands, and keeps tenants comfortable all summer without interruption. At Real Property Management Commonwealth, we specialize in maintaining all our rental properties, ensuring air conditioning systems perform flawlessly for providing a comfortable living experience. Looking for property management services in Boston? Contact us online or reach us at 617-299-2342 for help today!
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