Whether you own a small duplex or an apartment complex with dozens of units, your AC system is one of the most important pieces of equipment in your building. Over time, it will need maintenance and repairs like any other piece of machinery. But if you want to keep your tenants happy and your rental income coming in, making sure that your AC unit is in good working order is a must for any landlord.
So with that in mind, it’s time to take a look at a few simple steps you can take to ensure your system keeps running smoothly and efficiently for as long as possible.
Tips for keeping up with routine AC Maintenance
If you’re a landlord, your first responsibility is to make sure your rental properties are safe and livable. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with routine AC maintenance. Here are a few tips for staying on top of the air conditioning system in your rental properties:
1. Schedule a Professional AC System Inspection
If you’ve had your AC unit for more than five years, have it inspected at least once a year by a professional technician. This will help identify any problems before they become serious issues. If you’re unsure whether or not your system has been inspected recently, ask the person who installed it or call an HVAC contractor to find out when the last inspection took place.
2. Change your Filters
This may seem like a no-brainer, but many people don’t change their filters regularly enough or at all. This leads to the most common issue that occurs with air conditioners, dirty filters.
A dirty filter can cause airflow problems and leave dust and debris inside the unit itself, which can lead to premature wear on the compressor motor or electrical components. If you have a self-contained unit where you can’t see inside, use a flashlight to check for dust buildup every six months or so.
3. Clear the AC System Drains
If water builds up inside the condenser coil (the part outside), it can cause damage by freezing over time and potentially causing cracks in the coil itself. Clear away any leaves or sticks that might be collecting around this area to prevent this from happening!
4. Clean your Compressor Coils
Clean the compressor coils once a year. This prevents dust from building up on them and damaging them long term. When you have a professional HVAC company, such as Mullin Heating and Air Conditioning come out and clean your system, they will do this for you. However, if you want to do it yourself, here is a bit of advice:
Don’t use water to clean 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 store or online. You can also use a shop vac with an attachment that has brushes on it (this is what professionals use). It might take some time but it’s worth it! The last thing you want is for your tenant to call because their AC isn’t working one day in July!
3 Areas that Need to be Checked Regularly
The three main areas of your air conditioning unit that need to be checked on a regular basis are:
- Electrical connections
- the compressor
- and the condenser unit
The electrical connections should be inspected regularly for any signs of wear or damage. In addition, make sure that all electrical connections are clean and free of dust and dirt. It is also good practice to check 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 immediately with new ones.
How Often Should you Have your AC System Serviced?
There isn’t a set time frame for regular AC maintenance. The best way to determine how often your system needs to be serviced is by monitoring the performance of your system. If something is not working properly, it may be time for service. In addition, if you are planning on selling your property soon, now is a good time to schedule an inspection and service appointment.
Routine HVAC Maintenance in Broken Arrow, OK.
Your AC system is a major investment, no matter what size your property is. Take care of it, and it’ll take care of you (and your tenants)!
Schedule routine ac maintenance visits from Mullin Heating and Air Conditioning every few years for general maintenance. This includes cleaning other parts of the unit (like coils), filters, etc., checking refrigerant levels, testing pressure gauges & more.
Call us at (918) 209-3306 or fill out this form to get scheduled for routine ac system maintenance, today!
How Bad are Air Conditioners to the Environment?