Many of us take our Outer Banks Long Term Rental heating and air for granted but how much to you really know about the proper way to use it? Here are some tips to help your system run more efficiently and keep you comfortable:
1. Change the return filter every month. We recommend that you do not use the heavy, thick paper filters but the standard, inexpensive ones you can purchase at Ace Hardware locally. If you purchase a case of filters (12) you get a 20% discount. Doing this will help your system work efficiently and could save you money on your electric bill.
2. Keep all doors open so air can circulate. We are finding that occupants are closing bedroom doors and this is causing their system to not run efficiently. It is also causing moisture to accumulate on the walls, ceilings and window sills which can cause mold especially in older homes with wood walls or ceilings.
3. Keep vents free of dust. Failure to change the filter monthly will cause dust to accumulate on vents and ceilings and/or walls.
4. Be sure that no grasses, weeds, vines or tree limbs are growing in or around the outdoor unit.
5. Keep your air-conditioner (AC) maintained and you’ll not only save money on energy but you’ll also extend its lifespan, saving money on costly early replacement.
6. In homes with a large amount of windows facing sunlight, it is common during the cooling season for the temperature in the house to be greater than the setting on the thermostat. Turning down or shutting off the thermostat will do nothing to help cool your home because the heat is coming from the sun. Shutting the window blinds, or cracking a window will help this problem. The problem is caused by the house being built extremely tight and efficient. Older homes have a large amount of air infiltration which can cut down on heat from the sun.
7. Hold a constant temperature on your thermostats. Programming your thermostat to go up or down will actually increase your energy bills and will make it impossible to balance the temperature from room to room.
It’s recommended that you have a Spring and Fall check in place for your heating and air system. During this inspection, they check the connections, Freon levels, coils, fins, thermostats, etc. The cost is typically about $200 per unit.