Whether you own a small duplex or an apartment building with dozens of units, your AC system is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your building. Over time, it will need air conditioner upkeep, maintenance and repairs like any other piece of equipment. But if you want to keep your tenants happy and your rental income coming in, ensuring that your AC 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 few simple actions you can take to assure your system keeps running smoothly and effectively for as long as possible.
Tips for keeping up with routine AC Upkeep
If you’re a landlord, your first duty is to ensure your rental properties are safe and livable. That’s why it’s so essential to stay up to date with routine AC maintenance. Here are a few 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 a/c unit for more than five years, have it inspected a minimum of once a year by a professional specialist. This will help recognize any issues before they end up being severe issues. If you’re unsure 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 individuals do not change their filters regularly enough or at all. This causes the most common issue that occurs with air conditioners, unclean filters.
An unclean filter can cause air flow problems and leave dust and debris inside the unit itself, which can lead to 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 check for dust buildup 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 in time and potentially resulting in cracks in the coil itself. Remove any leaves or sticks that might be collecting around this area to prevent this from happening!
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 North Star Heating & Air Conditioning Lehi UT come out and clean your system, they will do this for you. However, if you wish to do it yourself, here are some pointers:
Don’t use water to clean 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 shop or online. You can also use a shop vac with an attachment that has brushes on it (this is what professionals use). It might take a while but it deserves it! The last thing you want is for your renter to call due to the fact that their a/c isn’t working one day in July!
3 Areas that Need to be Checked Regularly
The three primary locations that need to be checked on a regular basis are:
- electrical connections
- the compressor
- condenser unit
The electrical connections need 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 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 replace them immediately with new ones.
How often should you have your air conditioner system serviced?
There isn’t a set timespan for routine AC 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 may be time for service. In addition, if you are considering selling your property in the near future, now is a great time to arrange an inspection and service appointment.
Routine Air Conditioner Upkeep in Lehi, Utah
Your air conditioning 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)!
Arrange routine maintenance visits from North Star Heating & Air Conditioning Lehi UT every few years for basic maintenance. This includes cleaning other parts of the unit (like coils), filters, etc, checking refrigerant levels, testing pressure gauges & more.
Call us today at (385) 455-0010 and let’s get you scheduled for routine air conditioning upkeep.
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