3 Signs Your Rental's A/C Needs Service

Keeping your tenants cool during the summer is incredibly important for reducing turnover rates. A comfortable tenant is more likely to renew their lease, directly affecting your bottom line in a positive way.

Today, we’ll go over three signs your rental property’s A/C systems may need to be serviced.

Inconsistent Airflow

Weak or inconsistent airflow is an early and common sign of an issue with your rental’s A/C system. Landlords should address this issue promptly to maintain tenant satisfaction. Problems can include weaker airflow from vents than usual or uneven airflow across rooms. This can signal that the air filters may be dirty or blocked, the ductwork may have developed a problem, or there may be an issue with the compressor's motor.

Addressing these issues early is crucial for ensuring efficient cooling and preventing further strain and potential damage to the A/C system. Being proactive with these concerns can not only enhance tenant comfort but also protect your investment by reducing the risk of total failure of the system. Especially during the summer, this can lead to expensive repairs and tenant dissatisfaction.

Odd Sounds and/or Smells

Unusual noises or odors from the A/C system are warning signs landlords should not ignore. Communicating with your tenants regularly to ensure no noises, such as grinding, squealing, or banging, can help you find and resolve the issues early. These odd sounds often indicate mechanical issues that need a swift response. Mold can grow in the system if the compressor is in a humid environment, and burning smells can result from electrical issues.

Ignoring these signs can not only lead to more severe damage to the A/C system but also result in additional damage to the rental property. Excess moisture can grow hazardous mold in the walls. Issues with the electrical may expose your rental to needing to upgrade its wiring or, worse, electrical fires, which can cost you thousands. A proactive property management company can address these issues promptly, protecting your investment and ensuring the comfort of your tenants.

Increasing Energy Bills

Rising energy bills or if your system frequently cycles on and off to maintain temperatures are subtle yet key signs that your system may be overworked. If a tenant mentioned an unexplained increase in energy costs during the summer heat, it could indicate that the A/C is struggling to maintain temperature. This can be due to several issues, including the thermostat, refrigerant levels, and overall system efficiency. While you may want to ignore this at first, remember that a tenant's comfort is crucial for lease renewals. Additionally, dealing with issues early on is far more cost-effective before systems begin to fail.

Frequent cycling, where the unit turns on and off more often than normal, is another subtle sign that there may be an issue with the A/C system. This can be as simple as replacing the air filter or recharging the refrigerant. You may need to change your approach to the A/C system and install a mini-split system instead.

Your tenant’s comfort directly affects your bottom line, which means sometimes investing a little extra to keep them cool in the summer can mean a lease renewal and reduced vacancy rates. If you need help keeping your tenants cool this summer or need help managing your Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online.