Whether you own a smaller duplex or an apartment complex with dozens of units, your AC system is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your building. Gradually, it will need maintenance and repairs like any other piece of machinery. But if you would like to keep your tenants happy and your rental income coming in, making sure that your air conditioning unit remains in good working order is a must for any landlord.
So with that in mind, it’s time to have a look at a couple of easy steps you can take to ensure your system keeps running smoothly and efficiently for as long as possible.
Tips for keeping up with routine HVAC System Maintenance
If you’re a landlord, your first duty is to make sure your rental properties are safe and livable. That’s why it’s so crucial to keep up with routine air conditioning maintenance. Here are a couple of suggestions for staying on top of the air conditioning system in your rental properties:
1. Set up a professional inspection
If you’ve had your air conditioner unit for more than 5 years, have it inspected at least once a year by a qualified professional service technician. This will help pinpoint any problems before they end up being severe issues. If you’re not sure whether or not your system has been inspected recently, ask the person who installed it or call an HVAC contractor to find out when the last inspection happened.
2. Change your filters
This may seem like a no-brainer, however many people do not change their filters frequently enough or at all. This results in the most common problem that occurs with air conditioners, dirty filters.
A dirty filter can lead to air flow problems and leave dust and debris inside the unit itself, which can result in premature wear on the compressor motor or electrical parts. If you have a self-contained unit where you can’t see within, use a flashlight to look for dust accumulation every six months or so.
3. Clear the drains
If water accumulates inside the condenser coil (the part outside), it can cause damage by freezing over time and potentially resulting in cracks in the coil itself. Remove any leaves or sticks that might be gathering around this location to prevent this from taking place!
4. Clean your compressor coils
Clean the compressor coils once a year. This prevents dust from accumulating on them and damaging them long term. When you have an expert a/c company, such as Air Now Heating and Air Conditioning come out and clean your system, they will do this for you. Nevertheless, if you wish to do it yourself, here are some pointers:
Do not use water to clean the coils! Using water can cause damage to them and cause them to rust over time. Instead use compressed air or contact cleaner. You can purchase these at any hardware store or online. You can also use a shop vac with an accessory that has brushes on it (this is what experts use). It may take some time but it deserves it! The last thing you want is for your renter to call because their a/c isn’t working one day in July!
Three areas that need to be examined routinely
The 3 main locations that need to be checked on a routine basis are:
- electrical connections
- the compressor
- condenser unit
The electrical connections ought to be inspected routinely for any signs of wear or damage. In addition, make certain that all electrical connections are clean and free of dust and dirt. It is also good practice to inspect your fuses or circuit breaker box for signs of wear or damage. If you see any discoloration on the plastic coverings of the fuses or if they look worn or damaged in any way, it is best to change them right away with new ones.
How frequently should you have your HVAC system serviced?
There isn’t a set timespan for routine air conditioner maintenance. The very best way to determine how frequently your system needs to be serviced is by keeping an eye on the efficiency of your system. If something is not working properly, it might be time for service. In addition, if you are planning on selling your property in the near future, now is a great time to arrange an inspection and service appointment.
Regular HVAC System Maintenance in Ogden, UT.
Your air conditioner system is a major investment, no matter what size your property is. Take care of it, and it’ll look after you (and your renters)!
Arrange routine maintenance visits from Air Now Heating and Air Conditioning every few years for general maintenance. This consists of cleaning other parts of the unit (like coils), filters, and so on, looking at refrigerant levels, testing pressure gauges & more.
Call us today at (801) 784-6343 and let’s get you scheduled for routine air conditioning maintenance.
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