One of the easiest ways to ensure your HVAC runs smoothly is to monitor how it’s doing.
Many homeowners know a little bit about how their HVAC system works. Nonetheless, many renters aren’t obligated to monitor the condition of their HVAC. That’s because the maintenance team handles it for them. Even so, some basic upkeep can help reduce the number of maintenance requests you will need to make. Plus, you’ll also be able to cut back on energy usage. Likewise, you will not have to rely on landlords or management companies to respond, especially in an emergency that happens after “normal” office hours. So what should you keep in mind? Allow us to explain!
Log Audiovisual Evidence of Issues
One of the easiest ways to ensure your HVAC runs smoothly is to monitor how it’s doing. While this sounds self-evident, you’d be surprised how often renters forget about this trick. Be sure to record odd sounds and take plenty of notes and pictures. When something is broken, photographic proof prevents you from being held responsible for causing it. A secondary benefit of this approach is that you’ll have something to show the landlord or technician what the problem is when it fails to occur once someone comes to fix it. When you first move into a rental, take pictures of the equipment in the HVAC closet just in case something goes wrong.
Swap Out the Air Filters
Another piece of advice we have for you is relatively simple: try switching out the air filters. Whether you’re staying in a rental home or an apartment, it’ll state in the lease that this is something you’ll need to do. Let’s say you’ve just double-checked your lease agreement for such wording – even if it’s not there written explicitly, it’s still a good idea to do so. For one thing, it’ll improve your IAQ. For another, your system will keep chugging along without being a nuisance.
Change the Thermostat Settings
We also suggest that you change the settings on the thermostat. The Department of Energy itself agrees – turn down the thermostat at night before you go to sleep. You should also follow this advice whenever you leave your rental space.
Don’t Adjust the Thermostat Too Often
That said, avoid overdoing it. Energy Star conducted a survey that revealed that many people constantly change the thermostat settings. Doing this is a bad idea because it’ll turn out to be a waste of money. You could be causing a short-cycling issue without even realizing it!
We Are Proud of the Company We Keep
William E. Kingswell has remained a distinguished provider of commercial and residential heating and cooling services since 1937. We have provided unmatched customer service to all of our clients. We enjoy being the preferred HVAC equipment distributor of countless customers. We offer a comprehensive range of high-quality heat pumps, boilers, unit heaters, HVAC accessories, and more. William E. Kingswell works with businesses and homeowners throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia, including Baltimore, Frederick, Annapolis, Fairfax, Manassas, Richmond, Fredericksburg, Virginia Beach, and Leesburg. To learn more about our extensive range of SpacePak, Concord, Allied Commercial, and Bard HVAC equipment, give us a call at 301-937-1900 or contact us today!