Even in Southern California, winter nights can get uncomfortably cold. This makes a functional heating system essential for the comfort of your tenants. Addressing heater issues can prevent costly repairs and ensure a long lifespan of the system.
You should consider proactively maintaining systems, and identifying problems early in order to avoid breakdowns. This not only keeps systems efficient but also demonstrates your commitment to the quality and satisfaction of your tenant’s stay at your rental property.
Below is an overview of three common issues that cause heaters to fail.
Lack of maintenance is the primary cause of failure for heating systems. The air filters should be changed monthly to allow proper airflow through the system, while the condenser should be cleaned regularly. Clogged air filters can make heaters less efficient and even lead to breakdowns. Debris, dust, and dirt can accumulate over time, reducing the overall performance of your heating system.
Typically you should have your HVAC system checked in depth annually to ensure it works proficiently. You or your
property manager should schedule regular maintenance which may include cleaning the ductwork and vents, checking for leaks, and calibrating the thermostat.
Failure to maintain your heating system can result in poor performance from the system. This can be seen in the compressor struggling to maintain temperature, cold spots in the home, and a significant increase in the energy bill. If maintenance is deferred for extended periods of time this can end up becoming a safety hazard, especially in homes with gas furnaces. These can occasionally develop a gas leak which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and other health issues.
Having reliable heating for your tenant is crucial for their comfort. If your rental has a gas-powered heater the last thing you want during the cold nights is for there to be no heat. Furnace ignition failure can be the reason for this. However, the reasons for ignition failure can be many including improper maintenance. Dirty buildup and issues with gas supply can be the reason, though if left unresolved these issues can lead to costly repairs. Additionally, ensure there are no electrical issues as a short circuit can also result in failure to ign
Over time, parts wear out and begin to fail which leads to system inefficiency or failure. While maintenance to your system can ensure it works properly for many years, eventually the system may need to be replaced. The typical HVAC system should last between 15 and 20 years with proper maintenance. Aging systems are more prone to needing repairs more frequently, which may result in a higher energy cost for your tenants.
If you’ve owned your rental property for a significant amount of years without replacing the HVAC unit, consider hiring a professional to inspect the age and current condition of the system. Following this, you'll have to decide if maintaining the aging system is worth it compared to investing in a new upgraded system. This may feel like an expensive investment at first, though the satisfaction of your tenant may be worth it. As we know a
satisfied tenant is a long-term tenant which can offset the initial costs.
By addressing common issues, and keeping up on regular maintenance you can extend the life of your heating system and keep tenants comfortable during the winter season. If you need help keeping your heating system properly maintained or if you need help managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our
Owner Application online.