One of the most vital systems in a Lake Stevens rental property is the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Not only is the HVAC system entrusted with keeping your tenants comfortably untroubled all year round, but it also easily adds to the longevity of your property. For the reason that it is such a vitally important system, it’s crucial to know more about the most common problems that may arise – and how to resolve them. To make this really easy for busy investors like you, we’ve brought together a list of the top 10 HVAC issues and their solutions.
Blocked Registers and Vents
If your tenants are complaining of ineffectual heating or cooling in the rental home, the first thing you should verify is whether the registers and vents are blocked. Furniture, home décor, and storage boxes can all block registers and vents, creating airflow issues. By clearing the settings around each vent and register, you can help improve how your HVAC system operates.
Dirty Filters
Another usual issue with HVAC systems is that filters are not being changed quite often. HVAC filters help maintain good 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 try harder to heat or cool the home, but most importantly, internal parts may get damaged as well. The fix here is an easy one: make sure that the filter is being changed as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions. While a most systems necessitate 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 prevalent reasons an HVAC system starts to lose effeciency is because leaves and debris have gathered around the unit, obstructing the condenser. An obstructed condenser unit can cause your HVAC unit to overheat, most likely damaging it. To fix the matter, clear the area around your HVAC unit, including any leaves or debris that may be clinging to the exterior.
Dirty Coils
Just like the condenser, an HVAC system bank on the condenser coils to function effortlessly. When the coils get dirty, the HVAC system cannot maintain nice airflow, and your unit may overheat. Thus, it’s important to have your condenser coils cleaned habitually, about once or twice a year.
Dirty or Leaky Ducts
If your HVAC filters are not changed often and regularly, dust can accumulate in the ductwork, narrowing the space for air to flow. In older houses, it’s similarly possible for ducts to turn dirty or leaky because of rodents, insects, or cracks and holes. Any of these problems will set off reduced airflow and poor efficiency of your HVAC system. To make certain that your ducting isn’t the source of the problem, be sure to have it observed and cleaned when 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 cause airflow issues and make your HVAC system much less effective. As time progresses, fans can wear out or be coated in grime. The solution to a slow blower fan is to have it examined and either cleaned or replaced as soon as the problem is ascertained.
Leaking Refrigerant
If your HVAC system is an older one (or has not been maintained properly in the past), you may have a refrigerant leak. Leaking refrigerant can develop into reduced cooling and airflow problems. Typically, the issues multiply gradually as the refrigerant slowly leaks out. To amend the issue, have your unit attentively inspected and repaired by a qualified HVAC technician.
Faulty Thermostat
At times, the problems you think are coming from your HVAC unit are traceable to the thermostat. A nonfunctioning thermostat can make it hard to maintain a good 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 find any issues, see to it to observe and replace your thermostat prior to assuming you need to replace your entire system.
Wrong Size Unit
Precisely like rental homes, HVAC units come in different sizes. It’s important to have the best and right unit for your space. Units that are too small won’t heat and cool your property suitably, while units that are too big will normally cycle on and off too frequently, which leads to stuffy interiors and high levels of humidity. To correct this issue, have an HVAC expert take a look on your heating and cooling needs and make you a proper suggestion on whether you need to replace your recent unit with one that is the ideal size for your Lake Stevens rental property.
Outdated HVAC System
One final thing, another common HVAC system issue is that the unit or the ductwork is old or outmoded. This is especially natural in older homes that have been renovated, most importantly if the HVAC system and ducting weren’t updated along with the rest of the house. To get your airflow (and the efficiency) of your HVAC unit better, ask an expert when it comes to updating your ductwork. You may find that even small and simple changes can make a huge difference.
There are multiple common issues with HVAC systems that can be evaded simply by having periodic, professional maintenance executed yearly. But on the flip side, remembering to schedule HVAC maintenance can be challenging when there are quite a lot of other tasks vying for your attention. Instead, why not give the care and maintenance of your rental properties to the Lake Stevens property managers at Real Property Management North Puget Sound? We help rental property owners like you keep your HVAC systems in good shape, saving you money by considerably extending your unit’s useful life and keeping your tenants comfortable in the home for the entire year. To find out more, contact us online or call us at 425-527-6562 today!
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