4 HVAC Tips That Help Landlords Save Money

Landlords looking for ways to minimize their out-of-pocket costs may want to consider making changes to how they maintain their HVAC in Minneapolis. With cold weather lasting several months, it's your responsibility to keep your tenants warm and cozy. When the heat stops working, you're the one who has to deal with the service calls and pay the bills.

If you hear complaints from tenants about poor heating, here are some things you can do now before disaster strikes and ravages your wallet.

Insulate Your Properties

Are your properties insulated well? A poorly insulated building not only allows heat to escape but it also invites the cold inside. A lot of rental properties are older homes that were built several decades ago when insulating materials were subpar and designed for minimal protection. Today's insulating products are built better and last longer. You don't have to rip out drywall to get optimal results. In fact, insulating the attic space will help prevent rising hot air from escaping the building.

Did You Know? A well-insulated building not only keeps your tenants warm, but it can also prevent pipes from freezing in the bitter cold, too.

Seal Windows and Doors

If tenants are complaining that they can feel the air around window and door frames, they probably aren't exaggerating. As a home ages, it settles, and this can create small gaps around windows and doors. If you don't address the problem right away, you're wasting money every time your tenant turns their heat on. Even if you're not the one who is paying for the heating and cooling bill, you're tenants probably would appreciate a little help on your end keeping their utility costs low. Sealing windows and doors aren't huge jobs or very expensive. If you don't want to do it yourself, you can hire a handyman to do the job.

Sometimes, though, sealing just isn't enough. Windows and doors that are old or in disrepair may need to be replaced. Yes, this can be a big upfront expense, but it will go a long way toward keeping units warm and can add value to your property.

Maintain Your Heating Unit

Whether you have one rental property, twenty rental homes, or manage a multi-unit complex, it's important that you perform preventive maintenance. Start by performing monthly checks and develop a checklist. This checklist should include things like changing the HVAC unit's filter, checking exposed ductwork for leaks, checking the pilot light on gas powered units, and making sure vents are installed correctly.

Professional Tip: Not everyone feels comfortable performing preventive maintenance checks or has the time to do so. Don't let these limitations stop you from maintaining your unit. Contact a local HVAC company and take advantage of their low-cost, bi-annual checks to keep your HVAC unit running well year-round.

Replace the Heating Unit

Sometimes there is no other choice but to replace underperforming furnaces. A furnace that doesn't run well not only requires more repairs, but can cost hundreds of extra dollars each year to operate. As a landlord, you probably don't want your rental income always going to the HVAC contractor, right?

HVAC units run the gamut in terms of cost. If you're not sure what kind will work best for you now and in the future, contact a reputable HVAC contractor in the area to help you make this decision. Remember, working with reputable contractors is the best way to ensure you get a great unit at a great price and expert installation.

Following these tips will help you save money on HVAC in Minneapolis and keep your tenants happy.

Source : articlesbase.com