HVAC System Check: Why Should You Have an Annual HVAC Maintenance Plan?
Do you require an inspection of your HVAC system? After all, you might only have a year or two on your system. Even if your HVAC system is several years old, it appears to be in good condition. Maintenance plans give immediate benefits and lower the likelihood of future issues.
Everyone wants to know that their air conditioning system will keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. A regular maintenance schedule will assist in achieving that goal.
Nothing puts a halt to Summer fun like a malfunctioning HVAC system. It is an inconvenient hassle for tenants, but it is a potentially pricey fix for landlords. According to industry experts, proper maintenance and care are best to avoid an untimely HVAC breakdown. However, in a rented unit, some of that responsibility lies on the landlord and some on the renter.
As a result, maintaining a cool and comfortable Summer necessitates year-round collaboration. Join us as we look at how to choose the right filter, how to change an HVAC filter, and what can go wrong if you don’t!
HVAC system: Who is in charge of what?
As previously said, both the landlord and the renter must cooperate to complete HVAC maintenance. It guarantees that the system runs at maximum efficiency throughout the year.
Let’s take a brief look at each party’s responsibility in maintaining the most expensive system in your rental home.
HVAC Maintenance Responsibilities of Tenants
- Tenants must inspect the filter at least once a month and replace or clean it as needed.
- Any problems with the thermostat should be reported.
- If the system fails, contact the owner or property manager right away.
HVAC Maintenance Responsibilities of the Landlord
- A professional technician should perform seasonal preventative maintenance to ensure that the system functions.
- Tenants should be taught how to change an HVAC filter.
- Remind and follow up with tenants to ensure that filters are replaced regularly.
What is the purpose of an HVAC filter?
Filters for HVAC systems come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. As a result, it’s critical to utilize the right size HVAC filter for your system when it’s time to replace it.
These filters are typically disposable and can be purchased in bulk to save money. Dust, dirt, allergies, and other airborne particles are trapped by their specifically formed cells or fins, which prevent them from circulating throughout the house.
How Do I Determine the Size of My HVAC Filter?
Thankfully, many new HVAC filters have the size printed on the side. However, there are times when it is not supplied, and people must know how to measure it properly to ensure a good fit. Follow the instructions below to determine the size you require –
- Measure the current filter’s Length and width.
- Measure the thickness of the filter to determine its depth.
- Add the numbers to get Length x Width x Depth, the filter size.
Keep in mind that manufacturers employ a measurement known as “nominal size,” which means that measurements are rounded to the nearest inch. A nominal filter size of 16″x20″x1″ would be equal to an actual size of 15.75″x19.5″x0.75″.
How to Replace an Air Filter in 6 Simple Steps
Depending on the unit type, the procedure for changing an HVAC filter in your rental may differ. When in doubt, consult the manufacturer’s manual for instructions on how to go about replacing a filter. Wearing a dust mask and gloves and having a bag ready for the used filter is also a good idea because these filters collect dirt, dust, and allergies.
Turn off the electricity — safety comes first! Turn off the power before removing the cap or filter. It will prevent you from contacting any moving parts or “live” wires by accident. It will also prevent particles from being sucked back into the device due to shaking the filter.
Remove the Old Filter — If necessary, remove the cover, locate the old filter, and slide it out of the slot that holds it in place.
Examine the Current Filter – Check the current filter to see if it is clogged. It may be necessary to clean or replace your filter, depending on the type. Keep in mind that various factors influence how quickly a filter becomes blocked. As a result, inspect periodically and replace as needed, even if the manufacturer’s guideline is not followed.
Clean the Filter – Your device might use a reusable filter with a metal frame and washable coated material in some circumstances. As a result, remove it and clean it properly before allowing it to dry entirely. If your filter is in a cardboard frame with fiber mesh material, it’s disposable and won’t last long.
Replace the Filter — At this point, you can either replace the reusable filter or insert a new disposable filter into the unit. However, for proper ventilation, make sure the filter is properly inserted. On the filter frame, look for an arrow indicating how the air should travel — away from the return air duct and toward the air handler mechanism.
Remove the old filter – HVAC filters can harbor toxins and irritants. As a result, put it in a plastic garbage bag and take it out of the house.
When Should I Replace My HVAC Filter?
An HVAC system’s emergency maintenance is expensive. As a result, year-round care is essential. Landlords should arrange general servicing at least once a year and inspect the unit by a professional HVAC expert. Changes to the filter are dependent on several criteria and are normally handled by the tenant. Let’s consider some things to consider when considering how often to change an HVAC filter.
Check Your HVAC Filter Monthly If …
- The device can constantly run for six months or all year.
- Pets are in the house. Danger can accumulate and spread via the air.
- The presence of multiple people in the house increases the amount of dust, dirt, and debris in the air.
- Indoors, people smoke or vape.
- Someone in the house has allergies or is suffering from some respiratory ailment.
- The house contains a fireplace, which is mostly used for wood burning.
- Construction is taking done in or near the property’s immediate vicinity.
Replace the HVAC Filter Right Away If…
- You examine the filter and discover that it is ruined.
- The filter is wet, leading to mold growth and the spread of dangerous spores throughout your home.
Most HVAC filters should be replaced every three months or so. However, as previously stated, various reasons might cause this amount to fluctuate. As a result, it’s critical to inspect the filter regularly and replace it as needed to keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
What Can Happen If You Don’t Change Your HVAC Filter?
We’ve mentioned it before, but why is it vital to change the HVAC filter? This filter is critical for preventing airborne particles from entering and harming delicate and costly machinery. Unclean filters might cause a pressure decrease in the system, resulting in obstructed airflow. In extreme circumstances, there may be no airflow at all.
Because of the obstructed circulation, the system’s components must work harder to keep the property warm or cool. As a result, the system is subjected to unnecessary strain, which may result in complete failure and significant repair costs.
Keep in mind that manufacturers employ a measurement known as “nominal size,” which means that measurements are rounded to the nearest inch. A nominal filter size of 16″x20″x1″ would be equal to an actual size of 15.75″x19.5″x0.75″.
Mold growth is another significant reason to change an HVAC filter regularly. Filters that are dirty or clogged collect condensation, soon turning into a mold problem. It is bad for the occupant’s health, but it’s also bad for the HVAC system. As a result, further assistance from a competent professional is frequently required.
With Professional Property Management, you’ll Never Forget a Filter.
The advantages of a professionally maintained unit for owners are numerous, but one of the most important is constant maintenance management. Now that you knwo what HVAC is, PlistBooking.com wants to ensure that your rental property remains a great asset. Proper maintenance includes responding quickly to tenant repair requests and scheduling preventative maintenance to keep your property’s major systems running smoothly.
Our specialized property managers in Lagos, Nigeria, can handle leasing, accounting, daily interactions, and maintenance coordination to free up your time. Give us a call now if you’re interested in learning more about how full-service rental management may help you get the most out of your investment. Don’t compromise your safety if don’t know the proper way of installing HVAC!