One of the most critical systems in a rental property is the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. The HVAC system not only keeps your tenants comfortable throughout the year but also extends the longevity of your property. Given the importance of the system, it’s imperative to be aware of the most common issues that could arise and how to fix them. To make this easier for busy investors like you, we’ve put up a list of the top 10 HVAC issues and their remedies.
Blocked Registers and Vents
If your tenants complain about inefficient heating or cooling in the rental home, you must first see whether the registers and vents are obstructed. Airflow issues can be caused by obstructions to registers and vents, which include storage boxes, furniture, and home décor. By cleaning the space around each vent and register, you can improve how your HVAC system functions.
Dirty Filters
Another common issue with HVAC systems is that filters are not frequently replaced. HVAC filters assist in maintaining the proper air circulation by keeping debris and dust out of your ducts and equipment. If the filter gets blocked by dust, the HVAC system will have to work harder to heat or cool the home, and internal components may also suffer damage. This is an easy fix: just make sure that the filter is being changed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Although several systems necessitate a new filter every three months or so, some systems may need the filters replaced as often as once a month.
Obstructed Condenser Unit
One of the most common reasons an HVAC system starts to lose efficiency is because leaves and debris have accumulated around the unit, which blocks the condenser. An obstructed condenser unit can result in your HVAC unit overheating, ultimately harming it. To fix the problem, clear the area around your HVAC unit and incorporate any leaves or debris that may be sticking to the outside.
Dirty Coils
An HVAC system depends on condenser coils to work correctly, just like the condenser. Your unit may overheat if the HVAC system is unable to maintain proper airflow due to unclean coils. Consequently, it’s imperative to have your condenser coils cleaned regularly, about once or twice a year.
Dirty or Leaky Ducts
If your HVAC filters aren’t replaced on a regular basis, dust can build up in the ductwork, reducing the airflow space. In older houses, it’s even feasible for ducts to become dirty or leaky because of rodents, insects, or cracks and holes. Any of these issues will reduce airflow and make your HVAC system more ineffective. To guarantee that your ducting isn’t the cause of the issue, make sure to have it inspected and cleaned whenever needed.
Slow Blower Fan
All HVAC systems utilize one or more blower fans to distribute air around the rental house. If a blower fan is faulty, it can produce airflow issues and make your HVAC system much less efficient. As time passes, fans can wear out or become coated in grime. As soon as the issue is detected, having a slow blower fan inspected and cleaned or replaced is the best course of action.
Leaking Refrigerant
If your HVAC system is outdated (or has not been preserved very well long ago), you may have a refrigerant leak. Leaking refrigerant can result in decreased cooling and airflow issues. Typically, the problems appear gradually as the refrigerant slowly seeps out. To fix the issue, carefully inspect and repair your unit with a qualified HVAC technician.
Faulty Thermostat
A malfunctioning thermostat can make it difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature in the house while making your HVAC unit work harder than it should. If your HVAC unit has been tested and nothing is wrong, inspect and replace your thermostat before presuming you need to replace your entire system.
Wrong Size Unit
Units that are too small won’t heat and cool your property efficiently, while units that are too large will frequently cycle on and off too frequently, resulting to stuffy interiors and high humidity levels. To fix this problem, have an HVAC expert evaluate your heating and cooling needs and suggest whether you need to replace your current unit with one the appropriate size for your rental property.
Outdated HVAC System
Ultimately, another standard HVAC system problem is that the unit or the ductwork is old or obsolete. This is particularly common in older homes that have been reconditioned, primarily if the HVAC system, ducting, and the rest of the house are outdated. To improve the airflow of your HVAC unit, speak with an expert about replacing your ductwork. You could discover that even modest adjustments can have a significant impact.
A lot of typical issues with HVAC systems can be prevented simply by having regular, professional maintenance performed annually. But with so much competing for your time, it is hard to remember to schedule HVAC maintenance. Rather, why not leave the care and maintenance of your rental properties to the professionals in Alcoa and the surrounding area? You can increase your rental income with the assistance of Real Property Management Marble City. To learn more, contact us online or at 865-265-0535 today!
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