One of the most significant systems in a Gulf Breeze rental property is the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Not only is the HVAC system entrusted with the task of keeping your tenants easily comfortable throughout the year, but aside from that, it also adds to the longevity of your property. Since it is such a significantly important system, it’s vital to recognize the most known concerns that may take place – and how to address them. To make this simple for busy investors like you, we’ve gathered a list of the top 10 HVAC issues and their solutions.
Blocked Registers and Vents
If your tenants are complaining of ineffective heating or cooling in the rental home, the first thing you should examine is whether the registers and vents are blocked. Furniture, home décor, and storage boxes can all hinder registers and vents, creating airflow issues. By clearing the place around each vent and register, you can boost and improve how your HVAC system works.
Dirty Filters
Another common problem with HVAC systems is that filters are not being changed quite frequently. HVAC filters help maintain the appropriate air circulation by keeping debris and dust out of your ducts and equipment. If the filter gets blocked by dust, not only will the HVAC system have to exert more effort to heat or cool the home, but also that internal parts may be damaged as well. The fix here is an easy one: make it a point that the filter is being changed as stated in the manufacturer’s instructions. While a lot of systems need a new filter every three months or so, various systems may need the filters replaced as often as once a month.
Obstructed Condenser Unit
One of the most generally common reasons an HVAC system starts to lose effectiveness is because leaves and debris have gotten around the unit, congesting the condenser. A congested condenser unit can cause your HVAC unit to overheat, ultimately damaging it. To iron out the concern, clear the area around your HVAC unit, including any leaves or debris that may be clinging to the exterior.
Dirty Coils
The same as the condenser, an HVAC system is dependent on condenser coils to function efficiently. When the coils get dirty, the HVAC system cannot maintain proper airflow, and your unit may overheat. Consequently, it’s important to have your condenser coils cleaned frequently, about once or twice a year.
Dirty or Leaky Ducts
If your HVAC filters are not changed habitually, dust can increase in the ductwork, narrowing the space for air to flow. In older houses, it’s likewise possible for ducts to be dirty or leaky resulting from rodents, insects, or cracks and holes. Any of these problems will bring about reduced airflow and poor efficiency of your HVAC system. To be certain that your ducting isn’t the source of the problem, be sure to have it checked and cleaned as required.
Slow Blower Fan
All HVAC systems use one or more blower fans to move air throughout the rental house. If there is an issue with the blower fan, that can give rise to airflow issues and make your HVAC system much less effective. After a while, fans can wear out or get coated in grime. The solution to a slow blower fan is to have it assessed and either cleaned or replaced as soon as the problem is determined.
Leaking Refrigerant
If your HVAC system is an older one (or has not been maintained efficiently in the past), you may have a refrigerant leak. Leaking refrigerant can cause reduced cooling and airflow problems. Overall, the issues increase gradually as the refrigerant slowly leaks out. To resolve the issue, have your unit cautiously inspected and repaired by a skilled HVAC technician.
Faulty Thermostat
Occasionally, the problems you think are coming from your HVAC unit are attributable to the thermostat. A defective thermostat can make it hard to maintain great temperature in the house while making your HVAC unit work harder than it should. If you’ve had your HVAC unit examined and can’t discover any issues, see to it to scrutinize and replace your thermostat prior to assuming you need to replace your entire system.
Wrong Size Unit
Similar to rental homes, HVAC units come in diverse sizes. It’s important to have an excellent and the right unit for your space. Units that are too small won’t heat and cool your property rightly, while units that are too big will usually cycle on and off too frequently, resulting in stuffy interiors and high levels of humidity. To correct this issue, have an HVAC expert look over your heating and cooling needs and give you suitable advice on whether you need to replace your latest unit with one that is the correct size for your Gulf Breeze rental property.
Outdated HVAC System
One last thing, another common HVAC system issue is that the unit or the ductwork is old or obsolete. This is especially normal in older homes that have been renovated, specifically if the HVAC system and ducting weren’t updated along with the rest of the house. To make your airflow (and the efficiency) of your HVAC unit better, ask an expert with regards to updating your ductwork. You may find that even simple, effortless changes can make a big difference.
There are lots of common issues with HVAC systems that can be prevented simply by routinely having professional maintenance accomplished annually. But certainly, remembering to schedule HVAC maintenance can be difficult when there is a heap of other tasks vying for your attention. Instead, why not assign the care and maintenance of your rental properties to the Gulf Breeze property managers at Real Property Management Homebase? We help rental property owners like you keep your HVAC systems in top form, saving you money by significantly extending your unit’s useful life, and keeping your tenants comfortable in the home all year long. To know more, contact us online or call us at 850-806-2263 today!
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