Part of the most important systems in a Hazel Park rental property is the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Not only is the HVAC system tasked with keeping your tenants comfortable year-round, but on top of that, it furthermore adds to the longevity of your property. Due to the fact that it is such a vital system, it’s necessary to find out the most common issues that may happen – and how to rectify them. To make this quite easy for rather busy investors like you, we’ve collected a list of the top 10 HVAC issues and their solutions.
1. Blocked Registers and Vents
If your tenants are grumbling about inefficient heating or cooling in the rental home, the first thing you should determine is whether the registers and vents are blocked. Furniture, home décor, and storage boxes can all obstruct registers and vents, creating airflow issues. By just clearing the area around each vent and register, you can successfully improve how your HVAC system functions.
2. Dirty Filters
One common issue with HVAC systems is that filters are not being changed regularly or frequently enough. HVAC filters securely help maintain the proper air circulation by keeping debris and dust out of your ducts and equipment. If the filter gets clogged by dust, not only will the HVAC system have to operate harder to heat or cool the home, internal parts may be damaged as well. The remedy here is a trouble-free one: be certain that the filter is being changed as specified by the manufacturer’s instructions. Even though a lot of systems need to have a new filter every three months or so, certain systems may actually need the filters replaced as frequently as once a month.
3. Obstructed Condenser Unit
One of the most prevalent that causes an HVAC system to start to lose efficiency is when leaves and debris have collected around the unit, obstructing the condenser. An obstructed condenser unit can make your HVAC unit to overheat and after a while, destroy it. To correct the issue, clear the area around your HVAC unit, including any leaves or debris that may be clinging to the exterior.
4. Dirty Coils
Very much like the condenser, an HVAC system rests on condenser coils to function properly. Once the coils get dirty, the HVAC system cannot correctly maintain great airflow, and your unit may overheat. Therefore, it’s vital to have your condenser coils cleaned constantly, practically once or twice a year.
5. Dirty or Leaky Ducts
If your HVAC filters are not changed consistently, dust can gather in the ductwork, restricting the space for air to flow. In older houses, it’s even probable for ducts to get dirty or leaky because of rodents, insects, or cracks and holes. Any of these issues will reduce airflow and poor efficiency of your HVAC system. To be certain that your ducting isn’t the root of the issues, be certain to have it inspected and cleaned as frequently as needed.
6. 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 lead to airflow issues and make your HVAC system significantly less useful. Eventually, fans can break or look coated in grime. The key to a slow blower fan is to have it inspected and either cleaned or replaced if the problem is known.
7. Leaking Refrigerant
If your HVAC system is an older one (or has not been well taken care of in the past), you may have a refrigerant leak. Leaking refrigerants can give rise to reduced cooling and airflow problems. As a whole, the issues develop gradually as the refrigerant slowly leaks out. To resolve the complication, have your unit meticulously inspected and repaired by a qualified HVAC technician.
8. Faulty Thermostat
At times, the issues you seriously think are coming from your HVAC unit are caused by the 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 you’ve had your HVAC unit checked and can’t see any issues, ensure to inspect and replace your thermostat before deciding you have to replace your entire system.
9. Wrong Size Unit
The same as rental homes, HVAC units come in a variation of sizes. It’s essential to have the right unit for your space. Units that are too small won’t heat and cool your property properly well, Conceding that units that are too big will often cycle on and off too frequently, leading to stuffy interiors and high levels of humidity. To amend this issue, have an HVAC expert assess your heating and cooling needs and make a recommendation on whether you ought to replace your current unit with one that is a good size for your Hazel Park rental property.
10. Outdated HVAC System
On a final note, another common HVAC system issue is that the unit or the ductwork is old or outdated. This is mainly common in older homes that have been renovated, especially if the HVAC system and ducting weren’t updated along with the rest of the house. To greatly improve your airflow (and the efficiency) of your HVAC unit, ask an expert about updating your ductwork. You may actually find that even simple changes can be very essential.
There are various prevalent issues with HVAC systems that can be avoided simply by having regular, professional maintenance done yearly. Although, it’s true, just remembering to schedule HVAC maintenance can be quite hard when there are a bunch of other tasks vying for your attention. Alternatively, why not entrust the care and maintenance of your rental properties to the Hazel Park property managers at Real Property Management Advantage? We help rental property owners like you keep your HVAC systems in very 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 248-259-2575 today!
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