One of the biggest deal breakers for real estate investors in South Florida is dealing with the problems associated to air conditioning and HVAC maintenance. If you find yourself with heating and cooling problems, this is a very quick way to drain your ROI on any investment.  Today I’m going to walk you through the in’s and out’s of properly maintaining your HVAC system.

Here’s a checklist of what you can do to ensure you avoid costly utility bills and worse – a constant need to invest in your cooling system.

HVAC System Maintenance Checklist

If I’m being honest with you, most homeowners don’t know the first thing about taking care of their HVAC system. Here’s my top 10 things you can do to keep your unit working efficiently.

Change Air Filters on a Regular Basis

Every 30 to 90 days you need to change your air filters. This is priority #1 and is the easiest way to keep your unit healthy, clean, and strong. It’s a great way to improve your indoor air quality.

Clean Your Air Vents and Registers

A vacuum cleaner is the most efficient way to remove any residual dust and dirt on the bottom of vents and top of the registers. Another way to do this is to use a brush.

Keep Outdoor Units Clear From Debris

You won’t want to surround your outdoor units with vegetation that could bring dirt, leaves, and other debris. Also make sure you don’t have any overgrown trees or bushes surrounding your outdoor units.

Seal Drafts

In order to keep your HVAC from overworking, make sure to use weather strips and caulk around your windows and any exposed outdoor access.

Monitor Your Exposed Ductwork

Try to monitor your ductwork to see if you notice any leakage or holes. You can use a sealant or professional tape backed by metal to ensure your ducts are working in high order.

Keep an Eye on Your Thermostat

If possible, get a thermostat that has an app you can tie to your phone. We learned the hard way when we came back from a Summer vacation to a house that was 86 degrees. This is great way to allow mold to thrive in your property. Monitor your thermostat settings from your phone to ensure proper airflow and a working HVAC system.

Monitor Your Flame if Using Heating

While many Florida homeowners don’t have a need for heat, if you do use heat, you should see a solid blue flame at all times. If it’s not there, call Air Nifty in Margate. They are my go-to air conditioning and HVAC maintenance company that works on all of my investment projects. They service areas from Palm Beach, Broward, and all the way down to Dade County.

Clean The Drain Line

A regular flushing of the drain line goes a long way to help you avoid costly clogs.

Review Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors

It’s wise to replace your batteries on a yearly basis and test each monitor on a monthly basis.

Schedule Routine Checkups with Your HVAC Maintenance Company

I have my units inspected bi-annually, but you can do once per year if budget is a concern.  If you are an absentee investor, make sure your property management company takes care of this for you.

The Real Truths About Air Conditioning in South Florida

We live in a tropical climate here in South Florida. We regularly endure weather extremes that add stress to our ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems. We like to keep our homes cool and flowing with air during those hot Summer months and if needed, warm during the Winter months. This is why HVAC maintenance is so important and should not be overlooked by any means.

Most homeowners don’t give a lot of thought to their HVAC system.

If I’m being honest, it’s usually an afterthought that doesn’t get the necessary attention it deserves and in most cases, only is addressed when the system breaks down. When the system operates efficiently, we go on with our lives and assume all is well – until it’s not.

By scheduling regular maintenance for your HVAC system, you’ll avoid costly repair costs as well as down times of severe discomfort. I’ve had many restless nights without air conditioners fully functioning, and it’s the ultimate hassle. Regular maintenance also reduces energy costs, so it should be something at the forefront of taking care of your home or investment property.

How to Get the Best Indoor Air Quality

It all starts with changing filters on a regular basis. Not only will this help you breathe cleaner air, but you’ll also enhance the life of your HVAC system and reduce maintenance costs.

Next up, avoid smoking and burning in the property. If you are a smoker, consider smoking outside. Try not to burn any meals and always run fans when cooking. Always have proper airflow when using any cooking at extreme temperatures.

Manage your pets shedding and clean up any hair that has been shed on a regular basis. Pet hair can often get inside air conditioning systems and cause them to run less efficiently, leading to increasing energy costs.

Lastly, and I’ll sound like I’m repeating myself again – but always do preventive maintenance by having your HVAC equipment serviced routinely. Proper maintenance will save you a lot of future costs on your HVAC units and also ensure peak performance.

HVAC Units and Their Common Problems to Watch For

Here are some things to watch out for as you set out to keep your HVAC maintenance at a minimal level:

Refrigerant Leaks: you’ll have higher utility bills and reduced cooling power if you have any leaks.

Pilot Light Not Working: if the pilot light is turned off, your furnace isn’t getting the proper gas needed to work properly. This could also be a sign of your heat exchanger being cracked.

Thermostat Inconsistencies: it could be due to a wiring issue or simply an old thermostat. Thermostat calibration is very important and the moment you notice your thermostat settings acting up, you need to take a closer look.

Gas Leaks: if you smell a horrible stench, like rotten eggs or old food, this could be due to your HVAC system suffering from a sulfur gas leak. If you experience this, leave your home and make a call for assistance.

Clogged Filters: the minute you see a clogged or filthy filter, do something about it. This simply makes your HVAC system work overtime causing less efficient air flow and higher utility bills.

Aging Units: while some units can last over 20 years, we typically get a 10 year warranty in South Florida. In my experiences, most units do start getting worn down around that time. Consider yourself lucky if you get a unit to work 10-15 years in South Florida.

The moment you notice an issue, contact a technician to come out to service your unit. Any company that does installation usually offers repairs as well as routine maintenance (the most important part.) For my money, there is nobody better than Ice C Cool. You can find out more about them by contacting them at the below information:

Ice C Cool
1847 Banks Rd
Margate, FL 33063

954-957-9577

https://www.iceccool.com/