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Top 10 HVAC Issues and Their Solutions

HVAC Repairman Servicing AC Unit in KitchenOne key system in a Minneapolis rental property is known as the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. Not only does the HVAC system have to make sure that your tenants feel cozy during the course of the year, but it also plays a part in the long life of your property. Given that it is such a critical system, it is necessary to know about the most frequent problems that may happen – and how to rectify them. To make this trouble-free for diligent investors like you, we’ve constructed a list of the top 10 HVAC issues and their solutions.

1. Blocked Registers and Vents

If your tenants are nitpicking about the rental home having inefficient heating or cooling, the primary step you should do is to make sure the registers and vents are not blocked. Airflow issues are created when furniture, home décor, and storage boxes create a barricade obstructing registers and vents. By clearing out the nearby area around each vent and register, you can increase how your HVAC system runs.

2. Dirty Filters

An additional problematic matter with HVAC systems is that filters are not being swapped out frequently. HVAC filters aid in keeping the appropriate air circulation by making certain that debris and dust won’t find their way into your ducts and equipment. If the filter ends up getting clogged by dust, not only will the HVAC system have to work harder to heat or cool the home, but internal parts might even end up broken. The answer to this problem is quick and easy: make certain that the filter is being changed in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. Some systems have a need for a fresh filter every three months or so, in contrast, various other systems might need the filters replaced as frequently as once a month.

3. Obstructed Condenser Unit

A common cause for an HVAC system to lose efficiency is because leaves and debris have amassed around the unit, obstructing the condenser. An obstructed condenser unit can force your HVAC unit to overheat and sooner or later it will become damaged. By clearing the area around your HVAC unit, including any leaves or debris that may be clinging to the exterior, you’ll be able to correct this issue.

4. Dirty Coils

An HVAC system, similar to the condenser, is reliant on condenser coils to work as it should. Whenever the coils get dirty, the HVAC system isn’t able to maintain good airflow causing your unit to overheat. 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 consistently, dust can amass in the ductwork, restricting the capability for the air to flow well. In older houses, you can expect the ducts to have become dirty or leaky because of rodents, insects, or cracks and holes. Any of one these troubles will bring about reduced airflow and weak efficacy of your HVAC system. To make sure that your ducting isn’t the basis of the problem, do not delay in having it inspected and cleaned often.

6. Slow Blower Fan

Each HVAC system employs one or even multiple blower fans to push air all over the rental house. Whenever there is an issue with a blower fan, it might generate airflow issues and cause your HVAC system to be ineffective. After a while, fans can wear down or even become caked in grime. The key to a slow blower fan is to have it inspected and either cleaned or replaced the moment the issue is seen.

7. Leaking Refrigerant

If your HVAC system is old or hasn’t been maintained well, you may have a refrigerant leak. A refrigerant leak could lead to airflow problems and also trouble cooling the space. As the refrigerant slowly leaks out, the issue also gets gradually worse. To solve the issue, have your unit inspected and repaired by a qualified HVAC technician.

8. Faulty Thermostat

There are occasions where the problem isn’t with the HVAC unit but with the thermostat. A malfunctioning thermostat may be the reason why heating and cooling the house isn’t efficient. With a broken thermostat, maintaining a comfortable temperature may take a lot more energy, forcing your HVAC unit to work harder than it should. So, if you’ve had your HVAC unit checked and no issues could be found, be sure to have your thermostat inspected. It may just need to be replaced. That’s a whole lot better than having to replace your entire system.

9. Wrong Size Unit

Much like the rental homes, they’re installed in, HVAC units are made in different sizes. It’s important that the size of your unit matches the size of 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 remedy this issue, have an HVAC expert take a look at your heating and cooling needs. Then let him make a recommendation on whether or not you need to have your current unit replaced. They could tell you what the right size would be for your Minneapolis rental property.

10. Outdated HVAC System

Lastly, another common issue is the age of the unit or the ductwork. Eventually, all HVAC systems will age and be outdated. You can usually see this in older homes that have been renovated, especially if they didn’t include the HVAC system when updating the house. To make sure your HVAC unit is giving its best, in terms of airflow and efficiency, ask an expert about updating your ductwork. You may realize that even simple changes can make a world of difference.

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 Minneapolis property managers at Real Property Management Fidelis? 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 844-365-RENT today!

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