One of the most critical systems in a Zephyrhills rental property is the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Not only does the HVAC system have the job of keeping your tenants feeling great and comfortable for an entire year, but besides that, it also greatly contributes to the longevity of your property. Given the fact that it is such a critical system, it’s vital to find out and learn about the most prevalent troubles that may appear – and how to fix them. To make this manageable for busy investors like you, we’ve obtained a list of the top 10 HVAC issues and their solutions.
Blocked Registers and Vents
If your tenants are complaining of poor 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 easily block registers and vents, creating airflow issues. By clearing the space around each vent and register, you can easily make better and improve how your HVAC system works.
Dirty Filters
Another typical issue with HVAC systems is that filters are not being changed often. HVAC filters help maintain the right air circulation by keeping debris and dust out of your ducts and equipment. If the filter gets hindered by dust, not only will the HVAC system have to work harder to heat or cool the home, but aside from that, internal parts may become broken as well. The solution here is an easy one: make certain that the filter is being changed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. While various systems ask for 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 known reasons an HVAC system starts to lose performance is because leaves and debris have gathered around the unit, blocking the condenser. A blocked condenser unit can cause your HVAC unit to overheat, likely damaging it. To address the dilemma, clear the area around your HVAC unit, including any leaves or debris that may be clinging to the exterior.
Dirty Coils
Similar to the condenser, an HVAC system relies on condenser coils to function rightly. When the coils get dirty, the HVAC system cannot maintain favorable airflow, and your unit may overheat. In this regard, 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 times, dust can pile up in the ductwork, narrowing the space for air to flow. In older houses, it’s indeed possible for ducts to become actualy dirty or leaky arising from rodents, insects, or cracks and holes. Any of these problems will cause reduced airflow and poor efficiency of your HVAC system. To make it a point that your ducting isn’t the source of the problem, be sure to have it examined and cleaned as may be required.
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 bring about airflow issues and make your HVAC system much less effective. After some time, fans can wear out or become coated in grime. The solution to a slow blower fan is to have it checked and either cleaned or replaced as soon as the problem is found.
Leaking Refrigerant
If your HVAC system is an older one (or has not been maintained suitably in the past), you may have a refrigerant leak. Leaking refrigerant can bring on reduced cooling and airflow problems. Generally, the issues come about gradually as the refrigerant slowly leaks out. To mend the issue, have your unit conscientiously inspected and repaired by a competent HVAC technician.
Faulty Thermostat
Once in a while, the problems you think are coming from your HVAC unit are stemming from the thermostat. A functional thermostat can make it hard to maintain an acceptable temperature in the house while making your HVAC unit work harder than it should. If you’ve had your HVAC unit looked over and can’t see any issues, ensure to check out and replace your thermostat before just assuming you need to replace your entire system.
Wrong Size Unit
Just like rental homes, HVAC units come in a mix of sizes. It’s important to have the correct unit for your space. Units that are too small won’t heat and cool your property effortlessly, while units that are too big will generally cycle on and off too frequently, resulting in stuffy interiors and high levels of humidity. To correct this issue, have an HVAC expert evaluate your heating and cooling needs and give you direction on whether you need to replace your present unit with one that is the best size for your Zephyrhills rental property.
Outdated HVAC System
One final matter to think about, another common HVAC system issue is that the unit or the ductwork is old or dated. This is especially normal in older homes that have been renovated, definitely, if the HVAC system and ducting weren’t updated along with the rest of the house. To improve and intensify the airflow (and the efficiency) of your HVAC unit, ask an expert concerning updating your ductwork. You may find that even hassle-free, simple changes can make a major difference.
There are countless common issues with HVAC systems that can be properly avoided simply by having standard, professional maintenance brought about per year. But as a matter of fact, remembering to schedule HVAC maintenance can be seriously tough when there are plenty of other tasks calling for your attention. Instead, why not authorize the care and maintenance of your rental properties to the Zephyrhills property managers at Real Property Management Zenith? We help rental property owners like you keep your HVAC systems in good form, saving you money by extending your unit’s value and useful life, and keeping your tenants comfortable in the home all throughout the year. For more details, contact us online or call us at 813-698-1001 today!
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