Whether you own a small duplex or an apartment complex with dozens of units, your HVAC system is among the most important pieces of equipment in your building. In time, it will require maintenance and repairs like any other piece of equipment. But if you would like to keep your renters happy and your rental income coming in, making sure that your air conditioner 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 few simple actions 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 Maintenance
If you’re a landlord, your first duty is to make sure your rental properties are safe and habitable. That’s why it’s so crucial to keep up with routine air conditioner maintenance. Here are a few recommendations for staying on top of the cooling system in your rental properties:
1. Book a professional inspection
If you’ve had your air conditioner unit for more than five years, have it inspected at least once a year by a professional service technician. This will help recognize any issues before they end up being severe 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 feel like a no-brainer, but many people do not change their filters frequently enough or at all. This results in the most common problem that occurs with air conditioning system, unclean filters.
A dirty filter can lead to airflow 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 6 months or so.
3. Clear the drains
If water accumulates inside the condenser coil (the part outside), it can cause damage by freezing with time and possibly resulting in cracks in the coil itself. Remove any leaves or sticks that might be collecting 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 North Star Heating & Air Conditioning come out and clean your system, they will do this for you. Nevertheless, if you want to do it yourself, here are some pointers:
Do not use water to clean up 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 buy these at any hardware shop or online. You can also use a shop vac with an accessory that has brushes on it (this is what professionals use). It may take some time but it deserves it! The last thing you really want is for your tenant to call due to the fact that their AC isn’t working one day in July!
3 Locations that Need to be Looked At Regularly
The 3 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 inspect 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 right away with new ones.
How Often Should you Have Your HVAC System Serviced?
There isn’t a set time frame for regular air conditioner maintenance. The best way to determine how often your system needs to be serviced is by keeping track of the efficiency of your system. If something is not working properly, it might be time for service. In addition, if you are considering selling your property soon, now is a great time to schedule an inspection and service appointment.
Routine HVAC System Maintenance in Sandy, Utah
Your a/c 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 renters)!
Set up routine maintenance visits from North Star Heating & Air Conditioning every couple of years for basic upkeep. This consists of cleaning other parts of the unit (like coils), filters, etc, checking refrigerant levels, testing pressure gauges & more.
Call us today at (801) 285-9282 and let’s get you scheduled for routine air conditioner upkeep.
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