Classified among the most important systems in a Camarillo rental property are the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Not only is the HVAC system tasked with keeping your tenants comfortable year-round, but in actuality, it also adds to the longevity of your property. For the reason that it is such an essential system, it’s important to learn as regards the most common issues that may come about – and how to correctly fix them. To make this simple for very busy investors like you, we’ve gathered a list of the top 10 HVAC issues and their solutions.
1. Blocked Registers and Vents
If your tenants are whining about inefficient heating or cooling in the rental home, the first thing you should verify is whether the registers and vents are blocked. Furniture, home décor, and storage boxes can all obstruct registers and vents, creating airflow issues. By clearing the area near each vent and register, you can enhance how your HVAC system functions.
2. Dirty Filters
A further common issue with HVAC systems is that filters are not being changed frequently. HVAC filters actually help maintain the proper air circulation by effectively keeping debris and dust out of your ducts and equipment. If the filter gets clogged by dust, not only will the HVAC system have to really work harder to heat or cool the home, but internal parts may be damaged too. The fix here is an effortless one: ensure that the filter is being changed as stated by the manufacturer’s instructions. Although countless systems need a new filter every three months or so, several systems may require the filters to be replaced as often as once a month.
3. Obstructed Condenser Unit
Part of reason an HVAC system starts to lose efficiency is owing to the fact leaves and debris have collected around the unit, obstructing the condenser. An obstructed condenser unit can result from your HVAC unit overheating, subsequently ruining it. To correct the issue, clear the area around your HVAC unit, including any leaves or debris that may be clinging to the exterior.
4. Dirty Coils
Same as the condenser, an HVAC system depends on condenser coils to function properly. If the coils get dirty, the HVAC system cannot keep excellent airflow, and your unit may overheat. This is exactly why it’s significant to have your condenser coils cleaned frequently, roughly once or twice a year.
5. Dirty or Leaky Ducts
If your HVAC filters are not changed as regularly, dust can accumulate in the ductwork, reducing the space for air to flow. In older houses, it’s even likely for ducts to turn dirty or leaky because of rodents, insects, or cracks and holes. Any of these threats will contribute to reduced airflow and poor efficiency of your HVAC system. To make sure that your ducting isn’t the cause of the problematic conditions, make sure to have it inspected and cleaned as required.
6. Slow Blower Fan
All HVAC systems use one or more blower fans to move air throughout the rental house. If there is trouble with the blower fan, that can give rise to airflow issues and make your HVAC system far less efficient. After a while, fans can wear down or appear coated in grime. The answer to a slow blower fan is to have it inspected and either cleaned or replaced when the issue is seen or noted.
7. Leaking Refrigerant
If your HVAC system is an older one (or has not been taken care of that well in the past), you may have a refrigerant leak. Leaking refrigerants can cause reduced cooling and airflow problems. Generally, the issues develop gradually as the refrigerant slowly leaks out. To address the trouble, have your unit conscientiously inspected and repaired by a qualified HVAC technician.
8. Faulty Thermostat
Occasionally, the problems you thought are coming from your HVAC unit are caused by the thermostat. A malfunctioning thermostat can make it difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature in the house while making your HVAC unit work harder than it should. If you’ve had your HVAC unit checked and can’t locate any issues, make certain to inspect and replace your thermostat before presuming you ought to replace your entire system.
9. Wrong Size Unit
Similar to rental homes, HVAC units come in a lot of sizes. It’s vital to have the right unit for your space. Units that are too small won’t heat and cool your property effectively, though units that are too big will often cycle on and off too frequently, leading to stuffy interiors and high levels of humidity. To resolve this issue, have an HVAC expert assess your heating and cooling needs and make a recommendation on whether you need to replace your current unit with one that is the appropriate size for your Camarillo rental property.
10. Outdated HVAC System
One last note, another common HVAC system issue is that the unit or the ductwork is old or outdated. This is usually common in older homes that have been renovated, specifically if the HVAC system and ducting weren’t updated along with the rest of the house. To update your airflow (and the efficiency) of your HVAC unit, ask an expert about updating your ductwork. You may figure out that even easy and simple changes can be of great value and make a great difference.
There are numerous common issues with HVAC systems that can be avoided simply by having regular, professional maintenance done annually. Though, understandably, calling to mind to schedule HVAC maintenance can be tough when there are too many other tasks vying for your attention. Rather, why not entrust the care and maintenance of your rental properties to the Camarillo property managers at Real Property Management Limitless? We help rental property owners like you keep your HVAC systems in good condition, saving you money by extending your unit’s useful life and keeping your tenants comfortable in the home year-round. To learn more, contact us online or call us at 805-702-7800 today!
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