The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is often touted as the most important system in a Decatur rental property. It isn’t just that the HVAC system is responsible for making sure your tenants are continuously at ease, it also plays a role in the life of your property. Seeing as how it is such a key system, it’s essential to know about the usual issues that may crop up – and how to resolve them. In order to make this simpler for hard-working investors like you, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 HVAC issues and their solutions.
1. Blocked Registers and Vents
If your tenants are moaning on and on about the rental home having inefficient heating or cooling, the thing you need to confirm first is if the registers and vents are blocked. Furniture, home décor, and storage boxes can create airflow issues by hindering the movement of air to registers and vents. By decluttering the immediate area around each vent and register, you can boost how your HVAC system operates.
2. Dirty Filters
One more common issue with HVAC systems is that filters are not being replaced regularly. HVAC filters aid in keeping the appropriate air circulation by making certain that debris and dust won’t find their way into your ducts and equipment. If the filter is clogged by dust, the HVAC system has to work harder to heat or cool the home and internal parts could even be marred in the process. The solution is as easy as pie, just check that the filter is being changed in agreement with the manufacturer’s instructions. Numerous systems need a brand new filter every three months or so, however, a number of systems ought to have the filters changed as often as once a month.
3. Obstructed Condenser Unit
Whenever leaves and debris have collected around the unit and are obstructing the condenser, an HVAC system can start to lose efficiency. An obstructed condenser unit can result in your HVAC unit overheating, which will ultimately damage it. In order to correct the matter, clear out the vicinity around your HVAC unit, including any leaves or debris that may be adhering to the exterior.
4. Dirty Coils
Similar to the condenser, an HVAC system counts on the condenser coils to run appropriately. Every time the coils get dirty, the HVAC system will have a difficult time maintaining good airflow. This will result in your unit overheating. Accordingly, it’s key to remember to have your condenser coils cleaned habitually, more or less once or twice a year.
5. Dirty or Leaky Ducts
If your HVAC filters are not replaced consistently, dust can amass in the ductwork, restricting the capability for the air to flow well. In older houses, it’s probable that the ducts will have become dirty or leaky owing to rodents, insects, or cracks and holes. Even just one of these complications will generate reduced airflow and mediocre efficiency of your HVAC system. To make certain that your ducting isn’t the starting point of the trouble, definitely have it inspected and cleaned on a regular basis.
6. Slow Blower Fan
Each HVAC system employs one or even multiple blower fans to push air all over the rental house. If you discover a problem with the blower fan, you might find that it creates airflow issues and makes your HVAC system much less helpful. Over a period of time, fans can wear through or become encrusted in grime. The remedy to a slow blower fan is to be sure to have it inspected and either cleaned or replaced immediately.
7. Leaking Refrigerant
If you have an older HVAC system (or one that hasn’t been very well maintained), you may have a refrigerant leak. A leaking refrigerant could be the reason why the system has trouble with its airflow and cooling. This problem isn’t detected immediately. That’s because this issue develops slowly as the refrigerant leaks out. To fix the problem, have your unit thoroughly inspected and repaired by a qualified HVAC technician.
8. Faulty Thermostat
There are times when the problems you encounter with your HVAC unit are actually caused by the thermostat. A malfunctioning thermostat can make your HVAC unit work a lot harder than it should just to maintain a comfortable temperature. So, if you’ve had your HVAC unit checked and no issues could be found, be sure to have your thermostat inspected. It may just need to be replaced. That’s a whole lot better than having to replace your entire system.
9. Wrong Size Unit
Similar to rental homes, HVAC units come in different sizes. It’s vital that your unit is right for your space. Units that are too small won’t efficiently heat or cool your property. Units that are too big, likewise, would cycle on and off too frequently– leading to stuffy interiors and high levels of humidity. To remedy this issue, have an HVAC expert assess the heating and cooling needs of your Decatur rental property. Then have them make a recommendation on whether the one you already have is the right size or if you need to replace it.
10. Outdated HVAC System
Lastly, another common HVAC system issue is the age of the unit or ductwork. In many cases, they are just outdated. This is a lot more common in older homes that went through a renovation. Sometimes, during the renovation, owners don’t update their HVAC system together with the rest of the house. To get the most efficient airflow from your HVAC unit, consult an expert about updating your ductwork. You may find out that these simple changes can make a huge impact.
There are a lot of common problems with HVAC systems that can be prevented by simply having regular, professional maintenance done each year. But remember to schedule HVAC maintenance could be difficult sometimes. When you have a lot of other tasks needing to be dealt with, it’s not uncommon to forget about the HVAC system. Instead, why not entrust the care and maintenance of your rental properties to the Decatur property managers at Real Property Management North Point? We help rental property owners like you keep your HVAC systems in good condition, saving you money by extending your unit’s useful life and keeping your tenants comfortable in the home year-round. To learn more, contact us online or call us at 404-341-2102 today!
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