A tenant calls on a 110-degree Saturday. The AC is dead. The repair bill is only part of what that costs you, because it also strains things with the tenant and eats your weekend.
In a rental, the AC is a big investment and a big reason tenants stay or go. Here's how to pick a system, keep it running and choose upgrades that pay you back.
Pick for durability, not extras
A rental needs something different from the home you live in. Put durability, reliability and long-term value ahead of premium features.
Buy for the heat
An AC in Arizona works very hard, and it can wear out sooner than one in a milder place. A well-built unit from a maker known for tough equipment is money well spent.
Weigh the price against the power bill
The cheapest unit to buy isn't always the cheapest to own. A more efficient system that meets today's SEER2 standards costs more up front, but it can lower the monthly power bill.
That's a selling point for tenants. If utilities are included in the rent, it's money back in your pocket.
Get the size right
A unit that's too big turns on and off too often, leaves the air humid and wears out faster. One that's too small runs all day and never reaches the set temperature.
Sizing starts with a load calculation. It matches the system to the home's square footage, insulation and windows. Skip it, and you pay for the mistake every summer.
Maintenance costs less than a weekend call
Planned upkeep always costs less than an emergency repair. It also pays off in ways that don't show on the invoice:
- Fewer tenant complaints. A system that's been looked after is far less likely to fail when everyone's AC is running flat out.
- Longer equipment life. Small problems get caught before they ruin a unit you paid a lot for.
- Cleaner air. Filter changes and coil cleaning matter in a place with this much dust and a haboob season.
- Steadier costs. A clean system uses less power, so utility bills are easier to predict.
Book HVAC maintenance at least once a year for each property, best in spring before the heat. That way every system gets a check before your tenants need it most.
Two upgrades that pay you back
Smart thermostats
A Wi-Fi smart thermostat lets you set a range, so the AC can't be cranked way down to run up the bill. You can check on the system from anywhere. It may even flag a problem before the tenant notices.
Sealed ducts
In many Phoenix homes, the ducts run through a scorching attic. Leaks there can waste up to 30% of the energy, and the AC works harder to make up for it.
Sealing them is a fairly low-cost fix, and the rooms stay cooler too. Duct repair starts with an inspection, and we show you the leaks before we seal them.
When a tenant calls you about the AC, you need a quick answer and a clear plan. Our HVAC repair visits find the real problem first. Then you get honest options to repair or replace, with the price of each, so you can make the right call for the property.
We work on homes and commercial buildings, so one company can look after a mixed portfolio.