As we enter the warm embrace of summer months, you might be thinking about ways to keep your apartment building’s air conditioning unit humming along efficiently. Along with considerations of comfort, substantial savings might be on your mind as well. We have plenty of guidance to share, so won’t leave you high and dry!
Signs Your Apartment Building’s AC Needs Servicing
If your apartment building’s HVAC system, including the air conditioner, is not operating at peak efficiency, it could indeed inflate your expenses. Not to mention, cause discomfort! It’s vital to identify common signs indicating that the AC needs servicing, such as its inability to maintain a comfortable temperature.
A high utility bill stands out as the first sign that your apartment building’s AC unit needs servicing. Higher than usual bills may indicate an issue within the air conditioning unit, such as insufficient insulation or lack of effective weatherstripping. A popping up error code on the thermostat or the AC system itself is the second sign that your apartment’s HVAC system needs professional upkeep. This can be checked by pressing the reset button on the thermostat or unplugging and re-plugging the unit into an outlet. If an error code shows up, there’s something amiss with the unit, and it should be serviced forthwith! These are just two of the most common signs that your apartment building AC needs servicing. Should you notice any other unusual behavior from your AC system, we’re a call away!
The HVAC system, including air conditioners, is an integral part of your apartment building. It keeps the sweltering heat at bay during summer, fills your home with cozy warmth in winter, and addresses ventilation needs all year round.
With the scorching heat of Las Vegas hovering over the residents of your apartment building, staying cool is a top priority. Consequently, it’s vital that your AC system is running optimaly to maintain a comfortable environment.
In case any of these signs surface, don’t hesitate to contact professionals immediately:
- The air is blowing out hot air
- Your apartment feels stuffy or humid
- The air smells like mildew or mold
- You see a puddle of water in front of the building
- The air coming out of your vents feels warm
- The air coming out of your vents smells musty or damp
- Your electricity bill is higher than normal
Signs It’s Time for an AC Upgrade in You’re Apartment Building
Has it been a while since you gave thought to an AC upgrade for your Las Vegas apartment building? An upgrade could reap significant benefits, such as energy efficiency and savings, improved ventilation, and superior climate control.
If your apartment building’s air conditioning unit isn’t performing optimally, there may be indications that it’s time to consider an upgrade.
- When your AC starts, it makes funny noises
- When your unit stops working altogether
- When you go outside and see all the other units in your building are nice and cool while the apartment is blasting away at full power and still not cooling off the place
- Your current AC system is more than ten years old
- You’re experiencing major problems with your cooling systems, like mold growth or leaks from the unit itself, which can lead to more costly repairs down the road
- You notice that your tenants aren’t as happy as they used to be about staying in their apartments during the summer months
- You’re having trouble keeping up with maintenance and repairs on the current system
- You’ve had to replace parts due to wear and tear on the existing system
10 Tips to Improve AC Efficiency in Las Vegas Apartment Buildings
1. Make Sure Your Filter Is Clean.
For those living in Las Vegas, the air conditioner is often the hardest working device in any building, so finding ways to minimize its usage can only be beneficial!
Ensuring that the filter in your air conditioning unit is free of dust and debris is a simple yet effective way to improve efficiency. A grimy filter forces your air conditioner to work harder causing your energy bill to soar!
Apartment buildings, especially during the summer, often have their AC systems running almost continuously, leading to dust and grime accumulation on the filters, which can create a laundry list of problems for your HVAC system, including poor ventilation.
To maintain the health of your HVAC system, here’s how to keep its filters clean:
- Check the filter every month and make sure it’s not clogged with dust or pet hair, etc. These items can block the airflow.
- If you see any dirt buildup on the filter, take it out and hose it down with water (or use a soft-bristle brush if necessary), then let it dry completely before replacing it in your AC unit. This process should be repeated every month or so during peak season.
2. Keep the Fan on Auto Mode
The AC unit of your Las Vegas apartment building may be toiling harder than necessary to provide cooling, and there are several ways to remedy this.
Below are a few pro tips to make your AC unit work smarter, not harder:
- Keep the fan on auto mode
- Turn off vents in unused rooms
Las Vegas, especially in an apartment building, can feel like a living in a sauna.
To assure your AC unit operates at peak efficiency, consider using shade, blinds, and curtains to prevent excessive heat from building up inside your apartment. Such measures offer dual benefits – significant cost savings and increased comfort level for the residents.
First off, operate the fan on auto mode. If you’re not sure what this means, don’t worry! Simply locate the button with a fan icon on your thermostat.Then press it until it says “auto.” That’s the magic word “auto,” as compelled by its name. That’s it! Now all your fans, including your much-loved ceiling fan, will automatically turn on when your apartment gets too hot or cold. We can’t underestimate the value of technology in cooling our homes, even through a phone.
-Second of all, try not to use any appliances that put off heat like some rogue sun trespassing in your home. This includes things like hair dryers and irons, even lamps. Keep an eye on your energy bill – you can even get by without turning on your stove if you’re willing to eat something like BBQ from the grill outside!
3. Clean the Coils Regularly
The first thing to do is take a look at the coils. Those are the part of the AC that cools down the air and sends it through your vents. They’re usually located near the bottom of the unit, close to the condenser unit. These coils can get dirty quickly, especially if you have an older building, warranting frequent AC repair and maintenance.
If you see any dirt or dust on them (or if they’re just grimy), give them a good scrubbing with warm water and mild soap. You may require a professional installation service for intensive coil cleaning. They can use baking soda – a universal cleaning ingredient – to provide them with a deeper cleanse!
4. Check the Coolant Level
AC efficiency in Las Vegas apartments can be enhanced by checking the coolant level and adding the necessary amount if needed.
The coolant level should be checked regularly to ensure the AC is not losing too much water. By looking at the coolant reservoir, you can tell when it needs more. The reservoir is visible underneath your air conditioner. It may be helpful to use a flashlight or headlamp so that you can clearly see inside the reservoir.
If you see that there isn’t enough coolant left in the reservoir, you will want to add more. You don’t want to overfill it, though. Just add enough so that there is about an inch left when you’re done filling up.
5. Use Ceiling Fans
Instead of running an air conditioner to circulate warm air throughout the room, use your ceiling fans. In Las Vegas, the weather remains warm year-round, reminding you of the constant sun energy. You might think that your air conditioner is always going at full capacity. It’s better for your AC efficiency and your energy bill to use ceiling fans instead of running the air conditioner constantly.
Here are some reasons why:
- You don’t have to turn the thermostat up as high when you’re using ceiling fans instead of an air conditioner, which means it will run less often and be more efficient.
- Ceiling fans keep you cool without making your home cold or drafty. They circulate the warm air around the room without having to make direct contact with your skin, so they’re perfect for hot desert nights!
6. Replace Old or Damaged Ducts with New Ones
The first and foremost is the need to replace old or damaged ducts with new, more efficient ones. This will help to ensure the air flows through more efficiently and cool down your home quicker when you turn on the air conditioning.
7. Seal Any Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows
Air leaks around doors and windows can cause significant energy loss in your Las Vegas apartment building. The best way to address this issue is through the installation of weather stripping or caulking. This effective strategy helps improve the efficiency of your AC system and reduce your utility bills.
8. Keep Windows Closed When the AC Is On
Keeping your windows closed when the AC is running will help keep the cool air inside your building instead of needlessly escaping outside to where it’s already hot!
If you live in Las Vegas, you know how crucial it is to keep your AC running as efficiently as possible. Like most people, you probably have a window in your apartment, and the temptation to open the windows while the AC unit is running is strong. However, don’t succumb to that temptation! It’s advisable to keep your windows closed to resist the escaping cool air while the AC is working. Opening your windows while the AC is on will let out the cool air inside your building. In such an event, you will probably be reaching for your phone to call an AC repair service to mitigate the damage. Stay cool indoors while cutting down on your energy bill by keeping the AC running efficiently.
Before you get the alluring urge to open those windows to combat the intense summer heat, remember this crucial tip: keeping them closed will help save money and ensure your home stays nice and cool all summer long. A highly efficient air conditioning system plays a pivotal role in achieving this.
9. Use a Programmable Thermostat
For increased convenience and energy savings, you can program your air conditioning system to turn on before you get home from work or school in the summertime, then set it to turn off automatically when it gets dark outside or when no one is home during the winter. Furnaces, heat pumps, and air conditioning systems all benefit from proper utilization of programmable thermostats. This shrewd operation aids in elevating air conditioning efficiency and saving energy costs.
The AC, a key player in the array of hvac services, is one of the largest energy consumers in Las Vegas apartment buildings and can be responsible for up to 50% of your monthly utility bill. You can improve efficiency in many ways, but one of the easiest is using programmable thermostats and regular changes of air filters to ensure smooth airflow.
Programmable thermostats, like a diligent custodian of a restaurant, maintain a comfortable menu of temperatures at different times of day and night, which helps save energy costs. In addition, these devices provide information about your current usage patterns, acting as a logo of your energy consumption, so that you can adjust things accordingly and save more money on heating and cooling bills.
If your building has multiple units or floors, it convenes to consider installing an advanced system that allows you to control all units from one location. Much like a central emergency service, this will allow you to monitor everything from one location, preventing a room by room hunt during the check of air flow or humidity levels.
10. Don’t Run Your Air Conditioner When It Has Broken Down or Needs Repairs
How do you know if your unit is in need of hvac services? Check the compressor. If it’s as silent as a falling snowflake or as stationary as an anchored ship, there’s something wrong with it. If there are any other problems with your AC unit, like a heat pump failing to warm your house, they’ll usually show up when you try to use them.
There are plenty of other tell-tale signs that your unit might be due for a fix:
- The temperature in your home goes up or down too fast
- The air feels hot and dry even though the thermostat reads cool
- There is a burning smell coming from inside or outside the house
- You hear loud noises coming from inside or outside of the house
Why You Should Choose The Cooling Company (TCC) to Service the AC System in Your Apartment Building
Are you a property owner in Las Vegas? Do you have an apartment building to groom? If so, you’re probably scouting for a bonafide AC service company. In such case, let your search end at TCC air conditioning, definitely the outfit to service the AC system in your edifice.
TCC air conditioning, emblazoned with a logo of trust and expertise, has been bringing to life AC systems in Las Vegas apartment buildings since 2011. We boast of an ever-growing family of satisfied customers who have been using our services for years. Our commitment to the use of only the top-tier products and deliver excellent customer service at competitive rates separates us from the herd. Feel free to browse our website or call us at (702) 917-3339 for more information about what we do and how we can help you keep your AC running efficiently.
Our offering includes:
- A highly trained and experienced team of technicians certified by the EPA and the Nevada State Contractors Board.
- A variety of packages, so you can choose the right one for your needs.
- Free estimates on installations!
Whether you’re a resident or a property owner, prioritizing your apartment building’s AC system is essential. This could literally be the divide between a comfortable home and an unbearable one.
At TCC, we proffer AC services for Las Vegas apartment buildings designed to safeguard your air conditioners’ efficiency and performance. In addition, our technicians are licensed and insured, assuring you that your apartment building is in safe hands.
Whether it’s routine maintenance or an emergency repair, we metamorphose them into swift service! Our team of experts boast over 50 years of experience in the Las Vegas area. We’ve seen just about everything when it comes to HVAC issues. Whatever your problem, simple or complex, we’ll know how to fix it fast! Contact us today!
