Whether you are an owner or a tenant, taking steps to help your Air Conditioner perform effectively and efficiently in the summer heat is always a good idea.
Start with these eight easy tips:
- Frequently Change the Filters
- Keep Rooms Closed When Possible
- Keep the Rooms Shady
- Use Ceiling Fans Along With the AC
- Keep Area Around the AC Unit Clear
- Keep Areas Around Intake Vents Clear
- Frequently Clean the Intake Vents
You can also greatly reduce the stress on your AC by using the “twenty degree rule.” While we might believe that cranking the thermostat on their air conditioner will result in cooler air blowing, there is a point at which pushing the unit further does not make the air cooler – it just uses more energy and costs more money. If it is 95 degrees outside and we set our thermostat to 70, we would be putting the AC system under considerable strain. Here is where the twenty degree rule comes into play!
The twenty degree rule states that you should always keep your AC unit at no more than 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature.
The logic has to do with how the AC unit functions. When the system starts cooling space, it removes the heat but also dehumidifies the air. When the system has to cool your home by over 20 degrees, its ability to do both remove 
the heat AND dehumidify the air diminishes. As a result, your AC system has to work harder and use more energy. This leads to faster wear and tear, can drastically reduce the lifespan of the unit, and can lead to more immediate problems like the unit “freezing” or completely going out. That risk is not good for anyone, especially here in the Texas heat. The twenty degree rule is an excellent way to help your AC unit run smoothly and at peak efficiency.
So let’s remember to keep the AC unit at no more than 20 degrees lower than the outside temperature.
Given the record highs we are experiencing here in North Texas, you may also consider these additional steps:
Setting the thermostat higher and letting the unit rest while you are away from the house will reduce strain on the AC unit.- Bathing and laundry can generate heat during the day. Complete these tasks during cooler times in the evening and morning.
- Close doors to rooms you are not using. Also reduce the times outside doors are opened.
- Keep windows covered.
- Vacuum floor and wall registers. Get rid of dust buildup.
- Make sure your ceiling fans are rotating counterclockwise. This pushes cool air down.
- If you need to use an oven or stovetop, briefly use the oven hood to remove some of the heat.
- Furniture should not block registers and vents.
Here at All County Metroplex Property Management, we are dedicated to helping owners efficiently manage investment and rental property. We are also dedicated to the comfort of our wonderful tenants. 
If you have any investment or rental property needs, please don’t hesitate to call us at 469-405-7200.
We wish everyone a a safe and happy summer!