Are You Keeping Your Tenants Cool This Summer?

Is your property’s HVAC system down? In California, the heat is a problem that has to be dealt with immediately to make conditions livable. With angry, impatient tenants waiting for those conditions to be met, that problem can quickly become a legal one. Suddenly, the heat is really on. If you’re responsible for your property’s HVAC repairs, here are quick-solve tips for the top heating and cooling failures in our sunny state.

Fast Fixes for Your HVAC

If air conditioning is simply not pushing through to your tenant’s living space, here’s a gut check system you can use to make sure your property’s system is functional. If your HVAC fails this simple quality assurance test, it could indicate a larger internal problem and may need a replacement. In that case, don’t allow tenants to tamper with any wiring. Call a professional.

• Step 1: Flip the breaker’s on-switch. Remind tenants not to blow the system with too much or too little usage.
• Step 2: Drain the condensate pump reservoir.
• Step 3: Activate the reset switch on the outdoor unit.
• Step 4: Replace the thermostat battery. You can show tenants how to perform this procedure and offer to deduct the cost from the rent.

How to Get Rid of HVAC Noises

Loud noises coming from a dysfunctional HVAC can make it hard for tenants to get a good night’s rest or have peace of mind during the day. You want them to leave with a positive impression of your property, not a headache they’ll review poorly. Here’s how you can resolve the cause of a conditioner’s clanging. First, find the source. Consider whether your system’s age might be factoring into its noise level. Then, consider these solutions.

• Step 1: Hold a hand on each side of the outdoor unit, one panel at a time. If the banging stops when you press down on a certain area, look for any torn or missing pieces that have caused the HVAC to shift. Have them replaced.
• Step 2: Secure any groaning basement vents that have fallen out of place.
• Step 3: Screw any clattering indoor grates back in place to stop vent vibrations.
• Step 4: Tighten motor housing panels so that the unit is properly covered.

How to Get More Air Out of Your HVAC

Under the hot California sun, a tiny breeze is almost as frustrating as no breeze at all. Not to mention, a lack of proper ventilation can be dangerous to your tenants and your investment. Here’s how to restore a comfortable, refreshing airflow to your property and your renters.

• Step 1: Replace a clogged furnace filter once a month so it doesn’t slow down the airflow. Make sure to specify in the lease whether you or the tenant will take on this maintenance. Either way, it’s cheap and easy.
• Step 2: Repair any leaks and broken connections in the ducts. This might be as simple as pushing them back into place.
• Step 3: Clear the dampers on the duct so that air can come through.
• Step 4: Remove any furniture or carpeting covering vents.

If none of these common HVAC solutions work, consider whether it’s time to replace your system. Real Property Management Fairmate can handle all your maintenance struggles as a homeowner. We’ll provide tenants with timely, professional maintenance and help you avoid all of the negativity that precedes it. Contact us today to find out how you can access our 27/4 emergency maintenance crew for properties in the California area.