One of the most essential systems in a Winchester rental property is the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Not only is the HVAC system assigned to keep your tenants at ease and comfortable all year long, but on top of that, it also adds to the longevity of your property. Given that it is such an essential system, it’s vital to be aware of the most widely known challenges or issues that may come about – and how to amend them. To make this trouble-free for busy investors like you, we’ve composed a list of the top 10 HVAC issues and their solutions.
Blocked Registers and Vents
If your tenants are complaining of inefficient heating or cooling in the rental home, the first thing you should see is whether the registers and vents are blocked. Furniture, home décor, and storage boxes can all inhibit and block registers and vents, creating airflow issues. By clearing the spot around each vent and register, you can easily improve how your HVAC system runs.
Dirty Filters
Another common challenge with HVAC systems is that filters are not being changed pretty often. HVAC filters help maintain suitable air circulation by keeping debris and dust out of your ducts and equipment. If the filter gets plugged by dust, not only will the HVAC system have to labor harder to heat or cool the home, but in fact, internal parts may be damaged as well. The fix here is an easy one: secure that the filter is being changed as determined in the manufacturer’s instructions. While majority of systems demand a new filter every three months or so, some systems may need the filters replaced as often as once a month.
Obstructed Condenser Unit
One of the most widely known reasons an HVAC system starts to lose efficiency is because leaves and debris have accumulated around the unit, blocking the condenser. A blocked condenser unit can cause your HVAC unit to overheat, surely damaging it. To mend the issue, clear the area around your HVAC unit, including any leaves or debris that may be clinging to the exterior.
Dirty Coils
Exactly as the condenser, an HVAC system leans on condenser coils to function excellently. When the coils get dirty, the HVAC system cannot maintain the right airflow, and your unit may overheat. Hence, it’s important to have your condenser coils cleaned often, about once or twice a year.
Dirty or Leaky Ducts
If your HVAC filters are not changed regularly, dust can develop in the ductwork, narrowing the space for air to flow. In older houses, it’s equally possible for ducts to turn out dirty or leaky traceable to rodents, insects, or cracks and holes. Any of these problems will bring on reduced airflow and poor efficiency of your HVAC system. To be sure that your ducting isn’t the source of the problem, be sure to have it checked and cleaned as needed.
Slow Blower Fan
All HVAC systems use one or more blower fans to move air throughout the rental house. If there is a problem with the blower fan, that can usually cause airflow issues and make your HVAC system much less effective. As time follows, fans can wear out or get coated in grime. The solution to a slow blower fan is to have it checked and either cleaned or replaced as soon as the problem is perceived.
Leaking Refrigerant
If your HVAC system is an older one (or has not been maintained excellently in the past), you may have a refrigerant leak. Leaking refrigerant can result in reduced cooling and airflow problems. Many times, the issues develop gradually as the refrigerant slowly leaks out. To rectify the issue, have your unit heedfully inspected and repaired by a proficient HVAC technician.
Faulty Thermostat
Sometimes, the problems you think are coming from your HVAC unit are due to the thermostat. A busted thermostat can make it hard to maintain a convenient temperature in the house while making your HVAC unit work harder than it should. If you’ve had your HVAC unit reviewed and can’t actually find any issues, make it a point to investigate and replace your thermostat just before assuming you need to replace your entire system.
Wrong Size Unit
Exactly like rental homes, HVAC units come in various sizes. It’s important to have the proper unit for your space. Units that are too small won’t heat and cool your property accurately, while units that are too big will mostly cycle on and off too frequently, resulting in stuffy interiors and high levels of humidity. To correct this issue, have an HVAC expert look at your heating and cooling needs and make it a point to ask for recommendation on whether you need to replace your current unit with one that is the correct size for your Winchester rental property.
Outdated HVAC System
At length, another common HVAC system issue is that the unit or the ductwork is old or outdated. This is especially typical in older homes that have been renovated, mainly if the HVAC system and ducting weren’t updated along with the rest of the house. To strengthen the airflow (and the efficiency) of your HVAC unit, ask an expert in connection with updating your ductwork. You may find that even uncomplicated or simple changes can make a major difference.
There are quite a lot of common issues with HVAC systems that can be eluded simply by having planned, professional maintenance performed per annum. But really, remembering to schedule HVAC maintenance can be complicated when there are many other tasks vying for your attention. Instead, why not delegate the care and maintenance of your rental properties to the Winchester property managers at Real Property Management Bluegrass? We help rental property owners like you keep your HVAC systems in good shape, saving you money by effectively extending your unit’s useful life and keeping your tenants comfortable in the home throughout the year. To discover more, contact us online or call us at 859-684-2054 today!
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