Many people are aware that the most important system in a Chicago rental property is the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. It isn’t just that the HVAC system is responsible for making sure your tenants are continuously at ease, it also plays a role in the life of your property. As it is such a crucial system, it’s important to know about the different problems that may occur over and over again – and how you can fix them. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 HVAC issues and their solutions to make it easier for busy investors like you.
1. Blocked Registers and Vents
If your tenants are muttering about the inefficient heating or cooling in the rental home, your initial move should be to establish whether the registers and vents are blocked. Airflow issues are created when furniture, home décor, and storage boxes create a barricade obstructing registers and vents. By tidying up the neighboring area around each vent and register, you can enhance how your HVAC system works.
2. Dirty Filters
An additional problem with HVAC systems is that filters are not being swapped out often enough. HVAC filters aid in maintaining the correct air circulation by preventing debris and dust from getting into your ducts and equipment. If the filter is clogged by dust, the HVAC system has to work harder to heat or cool the home and internal parts could even be marred in the process. The remedy is straightforward: verify that the filter is being changed pursuant to the manufacturer’s instructions. Whereas numerous systems have a need for a new filter every three months or so, a few systems may require the filters changed as often as once a month.
3. Obstructed Condenser Unit
One frequent basis for an HVAC system that is losing efficiency is when leaves and debris have gathered around the unit, obstructing the condenser. An obstructed condenser unit can result in your HVAC unit overheating, which will ultimately damage it. In order to correct the matter, clear out the vicinity around your HVAC unit, including any leaves or debris that may be adhering to the exterior.
4. Dirty Coils
Just like the condenser, an HVAC system depends on condenser coils to operate correctly. Time and again your HVAC system will overheat when the coils get dirty. This is because your unit cannot maintain good airflow in that condition. Thus, it’s imperative to have your condenser coils cleaned frequently, usually once or twice a year.
5. Dirty or Leaky Ducts
If your HVAC filters are not replaced frequently, dust can accumulate in the ductwork, lessening the area for air to flow. In older houses, you can expect the ducts to have become dirty or leaky because of rodents, insects, or cracks and holes. Each of these setbacks could very well reduce airflow and cause your HVAC system to no longer be efficient. To safeguard that your ducting isn’t the cause of the dilemma, check it often and have it inspected and cleaned when needed.
6. Slow Blower Fan
Each HVAC system employs one or even multiple blower fans to push air all over the rental house. Should there be a problem with the blower fan, it’s possible that it will produce airflow issues rendering your HVAC system much less useful. By and by, fans can become worn or end up coated in grime. The remedy to a slow blower fan is to be sure to have it inspected and either cleaned or replaced immediately.
7. Leaking Refrigerant
If you have an HVAC system that’s older or wasn’t maintained too well, then you should inspect it for a refrigerant leak. A refrigerant leak could lead to airflow problems and also trouble cooling the space. This problem can’t be noticed immediately because it develops slowly as the refrigerant leaks out. To solve the issue, have your unit inspected and repaired by a qualified HVAC technician.
8. Faulty Thermostat
Sometimes, it’s not the HVAC unit that’s causing the problem. Instead, it’s the thermostat that may be faulty. When a thermostat malfunctions, it can make it more difficult to hold a comfortable temperature. This would force your HVAC unit to work harder than it normally should. So, if you’ve had problems with your HVAC unit and no issues can be found, be sure to have their thermostat inspected as well. It may be that all the system needs are to have the thermostat replaced.
9. Wrong Size Unit
HVAC units, just like rental homes, come in many different sizes. It’s important that you match the right unit size to your space. Units that are too small won’t efficiently heat or cool your property. Units that are too big, likewise, would cycle on and off too frequently– leading to stuffy interiors and high levels of humidity. To fix this issue, have an HVAC expert assess your space. Let them look at your heating and cooling needs and make a recommendation on whether or not you need to replace your current unit. It would be best to have the right size for your Chicago rental property.
10. Outdated HVAC System
Lastly, another common HVAC system issue is the age of the unit or ductwork. In many cases, they are just outdated. This happens more with older homes that underwent renovation. More specifically, those houses that didn’t update the HVAC systems together with the rest of the house. To get the best airflow (and efficiency) of your HVAC unit, try asking an expert about updating the ductwork. You may find that, in some cases, great improvements are because of a simple change.
When regular, professional maintenance is done to HVAC systems, a lot of common issues could be prevented. But scheduling the HVAC maintenance could be a hurdle. It may seem easy and straightforward now, but in reality, it isn’t. In reality, there would be a lot of other tasks vying for your attention that you could easily forget about the HVAC system. Instead, why not entrust the care and maintenance of your rental properties to the Chicago property managers at Real Property Management Chicago Group? 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 312-265-0660 today!
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