As we enter the summer months, it only continues to get hotter. If you manage a number of rental properties, that translates into extra dollars trying to keep your tenants cool. Use these tips to keep your units comfortable without blasting the air conditioning.
- Invest in interior blinds. These work as excellent barriers to keep the sun and its heat out of your properties. Doing so can reduce heat gain by 30%, which means more money stays in your bank.
- Program your thermostat. “By turning your thermostat back 10-15 degrees for eight hours, you can save 5-15% a year on your cooling bill,” according to the Department of Energy. They also recommend setting the thermostat to 78 degrees when home and 5-10 degrees higher when out of the house.
- Maintain your A/C ducts and filters. Make sure to eliminate any unsealed edges around your air ducts and change your filter at least every couple of months to eliminate extra work for your A/C (and your wallet).
- Take advantage of your ceiling fans. Ensure that your fans are spinning counterclockwise and that they’re 10-12” from the ceiling to maximize air flow. Also, periodically clean the top of your fan blades to avoid drag from dust buildup.
