As temperatures intensify, so too does the importance of your rental property’s HVAC system. Tenants expect their rental homes to stay cool and comfortable throughout the summer and would rather not pay high energy bills to attain this. Given this, it is even more important to have an HVAC system that is working correctly and efficiently. The summer months are hardest on an HVAC system, which is why spring and early summer are the best times to perform preventative maintenance. To avoid costly peak-season repairs and improve tenant satisfaction, it’s vital to complete your summer HVAC maintenance early and as part of your overall rental AC preparation. Here are our best suggestions for getting your rental’s HVAC system summer-ready.
Summer Puts Extra Stress on HVAC Systems
When the summer heats up, tenants want to stay cool indoors. To maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, you need to run your rental property’s air conditioning system for longer periods and more frequently. In turn, this can contribute to normal seasonal wear and tear. While heat alone can put strain on a system, other factors can cause far more damage and stress. For instance, failing to replace dirty filters, dirty ducts, and restricted vents and airflow can all cause an HVAC unit to work harder than it needs to. Aging equipment can also play a part, as older systems may struggle to keep up with seasonal cooling demand.
With all the extra stress on your property’s HVAC system in the summer, preventive maintenance becomes greatly important. Proper and regular maintenance is one of the ideal methods to extend the life of your system, ensure efficient functioning, and avoid breakdowns in the heat of the summer.
The Cost of Waiting Until Something Breaks
It is possible that some landlords believe that maintenance is a waste of money and would rather wait until things break before addressing issues. The issue with this strategy, particularly with regard to the HVAC system, is that emergency repairs are almost always more expensive than preventive maintenance. The financial impact of HVAC failure during the summer peak season can be devastating: expensive emergency service calls, fees for expedited repairs, difficulty getting a technician out in a timely manner, and even the potential for long-term property damage. You will incur unplanned costs out of your own pocket and a big hit to your cash flow.
On the other hand, preventive maintenance can help you identify developing issues, plan repairs and replacements, get quotes in advance, and hire vendors at non-peak rates. It can also ensure your system performs as efficiently as possible. In addition to any other system, your property’s HVAC system highlights the tremendous difference between planning and reacting.
Comfortable Residents Are More Likely to Stay
If cost alone isn’t enough of an incentive to perform preventative maintenance on your property’s HVAC system, consider the impact that HVAC performance has on renter experience. During the summer season, a tenant can quickly become frustrated with cooling and air quality issues. That frustration, in turn, can lead to repeated maintenance requests and complaints, negative reviews, and increased turnover. In fact, proactive and regular property maintenance, including on your major systems, is a significant component of effective tenant retention and solid occupancy rates.
A Pre-Summer HVAC Checklist for Property Owners
Preventive maintenance on an HVAC system is a relatively uncomplicated procedure and is worth the time to do. Although systems will differ in their needs, some basic things to attend to before the heat of summer arrives include:
- Replace or inspect air filters.
- Clean outdoor condenser units
- Check refrigerant levels
- Inspect ductwork
- Test thermostats
- Verify proper airflow
- Calibrate thermostat(s)
At least once a year, schedule a professional inspection and get a full report on your system. This can help you identify developing issues before they escalate into a full emergency, reducing costs and strain on your budget.
Investing in Preventive Maintenance
An HVAC system is a significant investment, and so is proper maintenance. In a very real sense, considering HVAC maintenance as a long-term asset-protection strategy could be useful. Not only does regular maintenance reduce wear and tear, extend the life of your system, improve efficiency and reliability, and delay replacement costs, but it can also protect your property’s value and your tenant satisfaction, as well.
If property maintenance has been a challenge for you, adding a professional property manager to your team can help. A quality property manager can help coordinate seasonal inspection and maintenance visits, track maintenance year over year, and follow up with both you and your occupants. It is a win-win situation for property owners who are constantly on the go.
Are you prepared for the summer with your rental property? Contact your local Real Property Management office right now to find out how our preventative maintenance programs and property management services can assist you in safeguarding your investment, enhancing the level of happiness experienced by your residents, and ensuring that your property continues to function easily throughout the year.
This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Readers should consult with licensed professionals regarding their specific circumstances.
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