Blog Post

3 Common Issues That Cause Heaters To Go Bad

Dustin Edwards • December 19, 2024

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

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.


Ignition Problems

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


Aging or Worn-Out Components

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.

Share this post

By Dustin Edwards January 17, 2025
A new year is a new chance to start new ideas to bring in prospects to your property. Consider the following 5 ideas to engage prospects and get new tenants.
By Dustin Edwards January 10, 2025
Having clear communication with your tenant is essential for maintaining a healthy landlord-tenant relationship. By being transparent in all relevant interactions, landlords can prevent misunderstandings while resolving repairs and disputes efficiently while improving tenant satisfaction. Having good communication with your tenant is beneficial for landlords too. Effective communication also protects your investment property. Remember that while your tenant is living in the property, landlords need to take care of the repairs. Below are the three best things to do during tenant communications. Prompt Responses Addressing tenant concerns quickly is essential for building trust and maintaining a positive relationship. Tenants feel valued when landlords respond quickly, knowing that their needs are being prioritized. Building this trust not only enhances your tenant’s satisfaction it lowers the possibility of conflicts or misunderstandings to arise. This ultimately creates a healthy and successful rental experience for you and your tenant. Some of the most common inquiries will oftentimes include repair requests, among others. As an example; if your tenant reports a leak under their faucet and the repair is delayed, this can be damaging to your landlord-tenant relationship, as well as your property. If left ignored, that leak can result in hundreds of dollars in water damage and a vacancy . Which can further affect our bottom line negatively. For landlords with multiple properties, this can become difficult to keep track of. A property manager can help with scheduling repairs and communicating with your tenant on your behalf. Document Everything Keeping a detailed record of all interactions with your tenant is an important element when managing a property. There are many choices for documentation including email, text, or written notices. Although many property management companies and landlords have opted to use apps or dedicated tenant portals to log communications. A great example, for instance, a tenant may claim they’d reported a repair issue that was never addressed, if everything is to be documented, both you and the tenant would have a copy of the request. Maintaining transparency with tenants. Having thorough documentation ensures agreements and requests between all parties are clearly tracked. Documenting communications with your tenant provides landlords with a foundation for addressing misunderstandings, or disputes if and when they arise. Provide Regular Updates Regular updates show tenants that their landlord is organized and has an attentive approach to managing their property. Giving tenants ample time for maintenance, inspections or policy changes is a simple way to build trust with your tenants while showing your professionalism. Giving tenants advanced notices reassures them that you’re aware of how changes can affect them and you understand that time might be needed in order to adjust. Surprises are best kept for birthday parties. Proactively notifying tenants of changes helps clear the communication channels and minimizes disruptions which helps tenants feel valued and satisfied. These small yet consistent efforts can contribute to a positive tenant stay, which can encourage lease renewals and long-term tenancy. Additionally, having a good relationship with your tenants can give you a great reputation which can provide you with leads when looking to fill a vacancy . It cannot be understated the importance of communication for a healthy landlord-tenant relationship. Even if your tenant may not agree with some of the decisions a landlord needs to make, by giving your tenants ample time to process the change tenants generally are more accepting of said change. If you’re having trouble communicating with your tenants 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 .
By Dustin Edwards January 2, 2025
Keeping tenants safe, translates to happy and long-term tenants. Read to discover 5 Inexpensive ways to keep your tenants safe.
Show More
Share by: