How to Optimize Your Air Conditioning System

Several Boston tenants will agree that heating and cooling bills make up over half of a household’s total utility expenses. Air conditioning is almost always a necessity during months of warm weather. But it’s best to regulate it when you use it because it can drive up costs. It’s noteworthy to do what you can to keep utilities as low as possible. It’s part of your responsibility, as a property owner, to perform basic maintenance on your air conditioning unit. Consistent maintenance will lead to the optimization of your air conditioning system, and it helps keep the utility bills under control.

To increase the efficiency of your air conditioning unit, make it a goal to 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. 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 regularly set 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. Make it a point to vacuum your indoor vents, and make sure to clear items away from them. This ensures that your AC system does a better job of distributing cold air in the house. And, you can also try 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. Take time to check for good quality weather-stripping installed around each door and window. 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 minimize the strain on your AC unit. Most experts recommend keeping it at 78 degrees when you are at home, and a bit higher when you’re gone. If you want a cooling breeze circulating, you can use a fan along with your AC. Frequently using a ceiling fan or table fan in certain rooms can help boost your air conditioning unit’s functionality and maintain a comfortable temperature.

Ultimately, let’s discuss how to avoid 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. Use your exhaust fan to pull the heat out of the house while you’re cooking. Or, you can use a floor fan to help disperse the heat. Make this a habit, and surely your kitchen won’t end up being the hottest space inside the house.

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 Commonwealth, 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 Boston property manager, contact us online or call us at 617-299-2342.