Many people are aware that the most important system in a Yonkers rental property is the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Not only does the HVAC system have to make sure that your tenants feel cozy during the course of the year, but it also plays a part in the long 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 help make this effortless for industrious investors like you, we’ve built a list of the top 10 HVAC issues and their solutions.
1. Blocked Registers and Vents
If your tenants are whining about inefficient heating or cooling in the rental home, the primary step as a rental owner is to ensure whether or not the registers and vents are blocked. Airflow issues are created when furniture, home décor, and storage boxes create a barricade obstructing registers and vents. By tidying up the neighboring area around 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 keep the right air circulation flowing by ensuring that debris and dust stay out of 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 solution here is a simple one: always confirm that the filter is being changed as stated in 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
One typical explanation you can expect when an HVAC system starts to lose efficiency is due to leaves and debris that have accumulated 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
Just like the condenser, an HVAC system depends on condenser coils to operate correctly. Each time the coils become dirty, the HVAC system will not be able to maintain good airflow, resulting in your unit overheating. To that end, it is of the essence to regularly clean your condenser coils 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 likely for ducts to become dirty or leaky thanks to rodents, insects, or cracks and holes. In general, these issues will produce reduced airflow and inefficiency in 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
In order to shift air all throughout the rental house, HVAC systems will utilize one or various blower fans depending on the need. Should there be a problem with the blower fan, it’s possible that it will produce airflow issues rendering your HVAC system much less useful. By and by, fans can become worn or end up coated in grime. The key to a slow blower fan is to have it inspected and either cleaned or replaced the moment the issue is seen.
7. Leaking Refrigerant
If you have an older HVAC system, you may have a refrigerant leak. This is also true if your system hasn’t been well maintained in the past. Leaking refrigerant could be the reason for problems with the airflow and cooling. You don’t get to notice the problem immediately. This is because the issue slowly gets worse as more refrigerant leaks out. To solve the issue, have your unit inspected and repaired by a qualified HVAC technician.
8. Faulty Thermostat
Sometimes, it’s not the HVAC unit that’s causing the problem. Instead, it’s the thermostat that may be faulty. 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 HVAC unit has been acting up but no issues can be found, make sure to have your thermostat inspected as well. It’s possible that all the system needs are a new thermostat. That would be a lot better than having to replace everything.
9. Wrong Size Unit
HVAC units come in a variety of sizes– much like the rental homes, they’re installed in. It’s crucial that you get the right unit for your space. Units that are the wrong size would lead to some issues. Units that are too small wouldn’t heal or cool your property efficiently. And if your unit is too big, it would cycle on and off too frequently. This would leave you with stuffy interiors and high levels of humidity. To fix this issue, have your space assessed by an HVAC expert. Let them compute the optimal size of the unit needed for your heating and cooling needs. From there, you would be able to decide whether or not you need to replace your current unit and get one that is the right size for your Yonkers 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. This is more prevalent in older homes that went through updating and renovation. There are times when the HVAC system isn’t updated together with the rest of the house. To get the best airflow (and efficiency) of your HVAC unit, try asking an expert about updating the ductwork. You may see that even changes as simple as this can have a really great impact.
Many issues that are common to HVAC systems could be easily prevented by making sure regular, professional maintenance is done each year. But scheduling the HVAC maintenance could be a hurdle. It may seem easy and straightforward now, but in reality, it isn’t. In reality, there would be a lot of other tasks vying for your attention that you could easily forget about the HVAC system. Instead, why not entrust the care and maintenance of your rental properties to the Yonkers property managers at Real Property Management DePenn? 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 866-820-9913 today!
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