The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is often touted as the most important system in a Sparta rental property. The HVAC system is not only charged with taking care that your tenants are feeling relaxed throughout the year, but it is also a factor in the life of your property. Given that it is such a critical system, it is necessary to know about the most frequent problems that may happen – and how to rectify them. To make this less complicated for keen investors like you, we’ve assembled 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. Airflow issues are easily created when furniture, home décor, and storage boxes get in the way of registers and vents. By freeing up the area near each vent and register, you can enhance how your HVAC system works.
2. Dirty Filters
A common concern with HVAC systems is that filters are not being repeatedly exchanged with new ones. HVAC filters help uphold the right air circulation by making sure debris and dust don’t get in your ducts and equipment. If the filter becomes clogged by dust, it isn’t just the HVAC system that will have to work harder to heat or cool the home, but internal parts might be harmed as well. The answer to this problem is quick and easy: make certain that the filter is being changed in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. Even though many systems only need a new filter every three months or so, there are some systems that may necessitate the filters to be replaced as repeatedly as once a month.
3. Obstructed Condenser Unit
A common cause for an HVAC system to lose efficiency is because leaves and debris have amassed around the unit, obstructing the condenser. You can damage your HVAC unit if you allow the condenser unit to overheat because of any external obstruction. By clearing the area around your HVAC unit, including any leaves or debris that may be clinging to the exterior, you’ll be able to correct this issue.
4. Dirty Coils
Much like the condenser, an HVAC system is dependent on condenser coils to operate suitably. Every time the coils get dirty, the HVAC system will have a difficult time maintaining good airflow. This will result in your unit overheating. And so, it’s crucial to have your condenser coils cleaned repeatedly, approximately once or twice a year.
5. Dirty or Leaky Ducts
If your HVAC filters are not changed repeatedly, dust can pile up in the ductwork, limiting the ability for air to move. In older houses, it’s not unlikely for ducts to become dirty or leaky caused by rodents, insects, or cracks and holes. Whichever of these hindrances can cause reduced airflow and inferior effectiveness of your HVAC system. In order to ensure that your ducting isn’t the cause of the issue, make sure to have it inspected and cleaned regularly.
6. Slow Blower Fan
Across the board, all HVAC systems utilize one or more blower fans to shift the air all through the rental house. Whenever there is an issue with a blower fan, it might generate airflow issues and cause your HVAC system to be ineffective. Over a period of time, fans can wear through or become encrusted in grime. The way out to a slow blower fan is to make sure it is inspected and either cleaned or replaced when the trouble is made out.
7. Leaking Refrigerant
If you have an HVAC system that’s quite old or hasn’t been well maintained, then you might see if your refrigerant is leaking. Leaking refrigerants could lead to problems with cooling and airflow. This problem isn’t detected immediately. That’s because this issue develops slowly as the refrigerant leaks out. To fix the issue, have a qualified HVAC technician inspect your unit and repair it.
8. Faulty Thermostat
There are times when the problems you encounter with your HVAC unit are actually caused by the thermostat. A malfunctioning thermostat may be the cause of your HVAC unit having to work a lot more than it should. It would take a lot more energy just to maintain a comfortable temperature in the house. So, if your problematic HVAC unit has been checked and no issues were found, don’t replace the whole system right away. Make sure they inspected the thermostat. Perhaps all the system needs are just a new thermostat.
9. Wrong Size Unit
Much like the rental homes, they’re installed in, HVAC units are made in different sizes. It’s crucial that you get the right unit for your space. Units that are too small for your space wouldn’t efficiently heat and or cool your property. However, have a unit that is too big and it would cycle on and off too frequently, leading to high levels of humidity and interiors that are very stuffy. To remedy this issue, have an HVAC expert take a look at your heating and cooling needs. Then let him make a recommendation on whether or not you need to have your current unit replaced. They could tell you what the right size would be for your Sparta rental property.
10. Outdated HVAC System
Lastly, another common issue is the age of the unit or the ductwork. Eventually, all HVAC systems will age and be outdated. You can usually see this in older homes that have been renovated, especially if they didn’t include the HVAC system when updating the house. To get the best out of your HVAC unit, in terms of efficiency and airflow, ask an expert about updating your ductwork. You may find out that these simple changes can make a huge impact.
Many of the usual issues that HVAC systems have can easily be avoided if regular, professional maintenance is done every year. But the difficult part is finding the time and scheduling that HVAC maintenance. It may sound simple but, in reality, you will have so many other tasks that need your attention. Instead, why not entrust the care and maintenance of your rental properties to the Sparta property managers at Real Property Management Momentum? 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 417-220-4100 today!
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