Several Ellsworth tenants will agree that heating and cooling bills make up over half of a household’s total utility expenses. If you wish to avoid driving up your costs, particularly during months of warm weather, try to regulate your use of the air conditioning. It’s noteworthy to do what you can to keep utilities as low as possible. As a property owner, one of your responsibilities is learning basic maintenance for your air conditioning unit. Maintenance means you optimize your air conditioning system, and you keep your 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. Consider it good practice 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 often positioned 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 good practice is to vacuum your indoor vents and make sure items are cleared away from them. When this happens, your AC system will do a better job of distributing cold air. Also, 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.
You can keep your air conditioning system from operating 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. And, if you want to improve the circulation of the cooling breeze, you can use a fan together with your air conditioning. 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.
Last but not the least, consider 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. 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 Acadia, we make sure to keep all of our rentals (including their air conditioning) in tip-top shape. If you’re interested in talking to an Ellsworth property manager, contact us online or call us at 207-561-7482.
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