Whether you own a small duplex or an apartment building with dozens of units, your a/c system is among the most crucial pieces of equipment in your building. Gradually, it will require maintenance and repairs like any other piece of machinery. However if you would like to keep your renters happy and your rental earnings coming in, making certain that your air conditioning unit is in good working order is a must for any landlord.
So with that in mind, it’s time to have a look at a few easy steps you can take to ensure your system keeps running smoothly and effectively for as long as possible.
Tips for Keeping up with Routine A/C System Maintenance
If you’re a landlord, your very first duty is to ensure your rental properties are safe and livable. That’s why it’s so essential to keep up with routine a/c upkeep. Here are a couple of recommendations for staying on top of the a/c system in your rental properties:
1. Set up a professional inspection
If you’ve had your air conditioner unit for more than five years, have it inspected a minimum of once a year by a qualified professional technician. This will help identify any problems before they become severe issues. If you’re not sure whether your system has been inspected recently, ask the individual who installed it or call an HVAC contractor to find out when the last inspection happened.
2. Change your filters
This might seem like a no-brainer, however many people do not change their filters regularly enough or at all. This causes the most common problem that occurs with air conditioning system, unclean filters.
A filthy filter can cause air flow problems and leave dust and debris inside the unit itself, which can result in early wear on the compressor motor or electrical elements. If you have a self-contained unit where you can’t see within, use a flashlight to check for dust buildup every 6 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 causing cracks in the coil itself. Clear away any leaves or sticks that might be gathering around this area to prevent this from happening!
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 a professional HVAC company, such as Air Now Heating and Air Conditioning come out and clean your system, they will do this for you. However, if you wish to do it yourself, here are some tips:
Do not use water to clean up the coils! Using water can cause damage to them and cause them to rust with 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 might take a while but it’s worth it! The last thing you want is for your renter to call because their air conditioner isn’t working one day in July!
3 Areas that Need to be Examined Regularly
The 3 main locations that need to be checked on a regular basis are:
- electrical connections
- the compressor
- condenser unit
The electrical connections should be inspected frequently for any signs of wear or damage. In addition, ensure 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 observe any discoloration on the plastic coverings of the fuses or if they look broken or damaged in any way, it is best to change them right away with new ones.
How frequently should you have your A/C System Serviced?
There isn’t a set time frame for regular air conditioning upkeep. The 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 correctly, it might be time for service. In addition, if you are planning on selling your property soon, now is a good time to schedule an inspection and service appointment.
Routine Heating A/C System Maintenance in Layton, Utah
Your a/c system is a significant financial investment, no matter what size your property is. Take care of it, and it’ll look after you (and your tenants)!
Set up routine maintenance visits from Air Now Heating and Air Conditioning every few years for basic maintenance. This includes cleaning other parts of the unit (like coils), filters, and so on, inspecting refrigerant levels, testing pressure gauges & more.
Call us today at (385) 350-4114 and let’s get you scheduled for routine ac maintenance.
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