Being a property manager means tending to issues concerning a wide range of commercial property functions. One of the most common problems commercial property managers face involves air conditioning units, especially in South Florida.
Managing commercial properties with various HVAC units and systems can certainly be a challenge. However, you can identify the best ways to keep your HVAC units running smoothly by addressing the top property manager HVAC questions. Here are the top 10 property manager HVAC questions to consider if you’re new to caring for commercial HVAC equipment.
1. What kind of air conditioning system does your property or properties have?
First and foremost, you want to take note of your inventory. Are you dealing with commercial rooftop HVAC units? Mini-split systems? Basic residential central AC? If you have multiple properties, it’s important to know each HVAC unit’s age, size, brand, and model. This is one of the top property manager HVAC questions because when something goes wrong, you want to be able to identify the specific HVAC equipment and go from there.
2. What’s the current condition of your HVAC units?
Another one of the most important property manager HVAC questions involves the current condition. Knowing the age and condition of each HVAC unit can help you budget for potential repairs or installation of new units. Suppose you’re just starting with your property management business. In that case, it’s highly recommended to work with an experienced HVAC technician to inspect your units and give you an assessment of the operational health of each unit.
3. What is the condition of the ductwork at your properties?
Poor ductwork can create severe problems with air conditioning units, even when units are brand new. If there are leaks, blockages, or rust in air ducts, it can lead to issues with cooling your property and the HVAC system. It’s always best to have an experienced HVAC technician look at your ductwork and fix any problems.
4. Do you need to add insulation to your property?
Another one of our top property manager HVAC questions involves insulation. Sometimes an HVAC unit and ductwork function properly, but energy bills run high because of poor insulation. A professional HVAC company representative can help you assess if you need to add insulation to your property. Installing things like blinds or tint on the windows and insulation in an attic can help in these instances.
5. How do you handle HVAC concerns with your tenants?
Communication with tenants is vital when it comes to HVAC issues. If you’re like most property managers, you’re only notified when something breaks. Make sure you connect with your renters to make sure they have an emergency number to reach you or your HVAC repair company when something goes wrong.
6. Do your tenants know how to spot issues with air conditioning units?
When your new renters sign a lease, it’s a good idea to provide them with a list of ways to spot issues with HVAC units. For instance, they should contact you right away if they smell moldy odors, see leaks, hear loud noises coming from the units or sense that the indoor air quality is bad. Contacting an HVAC repair company immediately after spotting an issue can prevent further and more expensive repairs, which is why this is one of the most essential property manager HVAC questions.
7. Do your tenants know how to maintain an air conditioning unit properly?
Along with a list of how to spot HVAC issues, it’s also critical to explain basic maintenance to an air conditioning unit, such as regularly changing the filters and monitoring thermostats.
8. Do your HVAC units get regular maintenance inspections?
This is one of our top property manager HVAC questions because of the utmost importance of regular HVAC maintenance. Scheduling seasonal or routine HVAC inspections doesn’t only save you money in the long run, but it can help you avoid multiple HVAC issues at once. Regular HVAC maintenance checks at your properties can help technicians identify problems before they start and prevent you from paying for costly repairs.
9. Would it be better to upgrade your property’s HVAC system?
While you have a professional HVAC company assessing your air conditioning systems, it’s helpful to ask them for an estimated lifespan of each unit. If you know that one unit will have to be replaced, ask your HVAC technician about the best time of year to purchase new units or when there might be special deals available.
10. Do you have a relationship with an experienced HVAC repair company?
This is one of the most helpful property manager HVAC questions you can ask yourself, especially if you’re not trained in repairing HVAC units. Do you work closely with a professional HVAC repair company that can help you manage air conditioning systems at your properties? If not, look no further, contact AC Power & Comfort today. We work with property management companies all over South Florida. We offer emergency air conditioning repair, maintenance contracts, installation work, duct repair and cleaning, indoor air quality inspections, and more!