Among the most important systems in a Newport Beach rental property are the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Not only is the HVAC system tasked with keeping your tenants comfortable year-round, but at the same time, it additionally increases the longevity of your property. On the account that it is such a significant system, it’s essential to have an idea concerning the most common issues that may show up – and how to address them. To make this actually easy for super busy investors like you, we’ve collated a list of the top 10 HVAC issues and their solutions.
1. Blocked Registers and Vents
If your tenants are always complaining of inefficient heating or cooling in the rental home, the first thing you should ascertain is whether the registers and vents are blocked. Furniture, home décor, and storage boxes can all obstruct registers and vents, creating airflow issues. By merely clearing the area surrounding each vent and register, you can highly improve how your HVAC system functions.
2. Dirty Filters
One other common issue with HVAC systems is that filters are not being changed quite often enough. HVAC filters aid maintain proper 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 run harder to heat or cool the home, but on the other hand, internal parts may be damaged, moreover. The fix here is an uncomplicated one: make certain that the filter is being changed as pointed out by the manufacturer’s instructions. Though numerous systems require a new filter every three months or so, quite a few systems may need the filters replaced as often as once a month.
3. Obstructed Condenser Unit
Classified among the most typical reasons an HVAC system starts to lose efficiency is due to all the leaves and debris that have collected around the unit, obstructing the condenser. An obstructed condenser unit can cause your HVAC unit to overheat, thereafter destroying it. To correct the issue, clear the area around your HVAC unit, including any leaves or debris that may be clinging to the exterior.
4. Dirty Coils
Similar to the condenser, an HVAC system counts on condenser coils to function properly. As soon as the coils get dirty, the HVAC system cannot continue to properly maintain suitable airflow, and your unit may overheat. Thus, it’s essential to have your condenser coils cleaned repeatedly, usually once or twice a year.
5. Dirty or Leaky Ducts
If your HVAC filters are not changed frequently, dust can accumulate in the ductwork, confining the space for air to flow. In older houses, it’s even usual for ducts to appear dirty or leaky owing to rodents, insects, or cracks and holes. Any of these issues will give rise to reduced airflow and poor efficiency of your HVAC system. To make certain that your ducting isn’t the origin of the problems, make certain to have it inspected and cleaned when necessary.
6. 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 result in airflow issues and make your HVAC system considerably less functional. After some time, fans can fall apart or become coated in grime. The remedy to a slow blower fan is to have it inspected and either cleaned or replaced once the trouble is noticed.
7. Leaking Refrigerant
If your HVAC system is an older one (or has not been well-kept properly in the past), you may have a refrigerant leak. Leaking refrigerant can result in reduced cooling and airflow problems. Normally, the issues develop gradually as the refrigerant slowly leaks out. To fix the matter, have your unit completely inspected and repaired by a qualified HVAC technician.
8. Faulty Thermostat
Periodically, the issues you think are coming from your HVAC unit are really caused by the thermostat. A malfunctioning thermostat can make it tough to maintain a comfortable 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 see any other issues, make sure to inspect and replace your thermostat before ever thinking that you have to replace your entire system.
9. Wrong Size Unit
Same as rental homes, HVAC units come in many different sizes. It’s necessary to have the right unit for your space. Units that are too small won’t heat and cool your property correctly, although on the other hand, units that are too big will often cycle on and off too frequently, leading to stuffy interiors and high levels of humidity. To rectify this issue, have an HVAC expert assess your heating and cooling needs and make a recommendation on whether you will need to replace your current unit with one that is the correct size for your Newport Beach rental property.
10. Outdated HVAC System
Lastly, another common HVAC system issue is that the unit or the ductwork is old or outdated. This is primarily prevalent in older homes that have been renovated, especially if the HVAC system and ducting weren’t updated along with the rest of the house. To enhance your airflow (and the efficiency) of your HVAC unit, ask an expert about updating your ductwork. You may actually find that even easy changes can count a lot.
There are countless typical issues with HVAC systems that can be avoided simply by having regular, professional maintenance done every year. But, certainly, being mindful to schedule HVAC maintenance can be quite difficult when there are plenty of other tasks vying for your attention. On the contrary, why not entrust the care and maintenance of your rental properties to the Newport Beach property managers at Real Property Management Agile? 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 949-503-5300 today!
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