Whether you own a small duplex or an apartment complex with dozens of units, your HVAC unit is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your building. Gradually, it will need maintenance and repairs like any other piece of equipment. However if you want to keep your renters happy and your rental income coming in, ensuring that your air conditioner unit is in good working order is a must for any landlord.
So with that in mind, it’s time to take a look at a couple of easy steps you can take to assure your system keeps running smoothly and effectively for as long as possible.
Tips for keeping up with routine AC Maintenance
If you’re a landlord, your first responsibility is to make sure your rental properties are safe and habitable. That’s why it’s so crucial to keep up with routine a/c maintenance. Here are a few suggestions for staying on top of the air conditioning system in your rental properties:
1. Schedule a professional inspection
If you’ve had your air conditioning unit for more than five years, have it inspected at least once a year by a qualified professional technician. This will help identify any issues before they become major issues. If you’re not sure whether or not your system has been inspected recently, ask the individual who installed it or call an HVAC contractor to find out when the last inspection took place.
2. Change your filters
This might seem like a no-brainer, however lots of people don’t change their filters regularly enough or at all. This causes the most common problem that occurs with a/c, unclean filters.
A filthy filter can cause airflow problems and leave dust and debris inside the unit itself, which can result in premature wear on the compressor motor or electrical components. If you have a self-contained unit where you can’t see inside, use a flashlight to look for dust buildup every six months or so.
3. Clear the drains
If water builds up inside the condenser coil (the part outside), it can cause damage by freezing over time and possibly causing cracks in the coil itself. Remove any leaves or sticks that might be gathering around this area to prevent this from taking place!
4. Clean your compressor coils
Clean the compressor coils once a year. This prevents dust from building up on them and damaging them long term. When you have an expert a/c company, such as Air Now Heating and Air Davis County come out and clean your system, they will do this for you. However, if you want to do it yourself, here are some suggestions:
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 shop or online. You can even use a shop vac with an accessory that has brushes on it (this is what experts use). It may take a while but it’s worth it! The last thing you really want is for your renter to call due to the fact that their air conditioner isn’t working one day in July!
3 Locations that Need to be Checked Frequently
The three main areas that need to be checked on a routine basis are:
- electrical connections
- the compressor
- condenser unit
The electrical connections ought to be inspected frequently 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 check your fuses or circuit breaker box for signs of wear or damage. If you notice any discoloration on the plastic coverings of the fuses or if they look worn out or damaged in any way, it is best to replace them immediately with new ones.
How frequently should you have HVAC Unit serviced?
There isn’t a set timespan for routine air conditioner upkeep. The very best way to determine how often your system needs to be serviced is by monitoring the efficiency of your system. If something is not working appropriately, it might be time for service. In addition, if you are considering selling your property in the near future, now is a great time to set up an inspection and service appointment.
Regular HVAC Unit Service in Centerville, UT
Your air conditioning system is a major financial investment, no matter what size your property is. Take care of it, and it’ll look after you (and your tenants)!
Schedule routine a/c maintenance visits from Air Now Heating and Air Davis County every few years for general maintenance. This consists of cleaning other parts of the unit (like coils), filters, etc, looking at refrigerant levels, testing pressure gauges & more.
Call us today at (385) 244-2433 and let’s get you scheduled for routine ac maintenance.
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