The winter this year was among the severest in every right. In fact, industry experts claimed that last year was among the coldest years this earth has seen. Here are some interesting facts about 2014 according to the experts. This time they say that this summer will be the driest one ever in the past century. According to studies, all records that were made between the years 1947 and 1953, will now be broken. As a property manager, what have you got to do with all of this? A lot. If your cooling units in your rental properties are not working properly, tenants will call you and form a huge list of complaints. Can you avoid this? Preventive maintenance is the cure.
A proper preventative maintenance plan can ensure that your cooling unit operates efficiently and will save you money in the time to come, even though, it does mean spending now. According to a study, regular maintenance can reduce repairs by 40% and increase both the lifetime and efficiency of the unit by 30%. Even if your cooling unit is brand new, you should still maintain it so that it operates at an optimal level.
Here is what a proper preventative maintenance plan should include.
The Outdoor Unit
- Clean your air filters; you can do this by washing them with soap and water. Let them dry and only then attach them to the system again. If their condition has worn down, you should replace them.
- Conduct a thorough inspection of your unit and make sure that the pad is at a proper level. If the unit requires cleaning, you may have to hire pros to remove the dust and debris.
- Examine the control box and make sure all connections are intact and tight. None of the components should be worn out or damaged.
- Inspect your compressor; it should be in a good condition.
- Clean the air filters; replace them if required.
- Clean the complete blower assembly; this includes housing, motor and wheel.
- Check your duct for leakages. If there are any, the unit will not cool well.
