When the air conditioning quits working in the sweltering heat, or you have a faulty furnace that needs repairs when it’s cold outside, an HVAC technician can help diagnose the problems, make repairs, or remove an unrepairable HVAC unit to install a replacement. As a landlord, it’s important to interview these essential workers for when you need your HVAC units serviced.

Annual maintenance of an HVAC system

An essential goal for all landlords is to provide a comfortable shelter for their tenants during the winter or in summer’s stifling heat. You can take a few preventative steps to minimize the chances of air conditioning or furnace failure and extend the longevity of your HVAC system.

Most of these upkeep tasks can be done by the landlord, but if you manage multiple units or live far from your rental property, calling an HVAC specialist will be the best solution to ensure your furnace and air conditioning unit are in excellent condition. You can conduct regular cooling and heating-specific maintenance, according to Energy Star.

HVAC annual maintenance checklist for landlords:

• Change the filter every three months
• Look for leaks around the unit
• Eliminate clogs in the water line
• Remove dirt or debris from the outdoor unit
• Observe humidity levels

Cooling maintenance:

• Clean condenser and evaporator coils
• Check refrigerant level
• Adjust blower components

Heating maintenance:

• Check gas and oil connections
• Observe gas pressure and burner combustion

Common HVAC repair services

Just like a car or anything of value you want to preserve, your HVAC system is an investment. When you avoid regular maintenance, or your system is older and operating less efficiently, problems can turn up––this is when you call in a professional.

Customarily, you would contact a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning professional when the following problems arise:

• Electrical problems
• Issues with the ignition or furnace fuse being blown
• Leaking refrigerant lines
• Malfunctioning thermostat
• Poor airflow
• Water leaks
• Suboptimal temperature distribution
• Furnace repairs and replacement

How to find a reputable HVAC contractor

The Better Business Bureau caters to people in the States and Canada who are looking for potential contractors. Landlords can also turn to online reviews to get a good sense of the quality of work the contractor provided to other property owners. Most customer reviews are honest, stemming from their experience, and will help you come to an informed decision.

All HVAC technicians must hold a special certification to work in the United States, though proper licensing requirements may vary in each state. Most Canadian HVAC technicians need a vocational education and additional training to work in heating and cooling services.

How to review cost estimates

Some of the critical factors in deciding which contractor you want to hire for HVAC maintenance, repairs, or installation are how much experience they have, whether they are certified to perform complicated tasks, and what their cost estimate breakdowns are.

When reviewing a quote, look for the following items when applicable:

• Summary of the work needed
• Appliances, including brands and model numbers
• Labor costs
• A timeline to accomplish the job
• Regulatory compliance statement (some contractors include this in quotes to avoid legal trouble)

Look for itemized estimates when reviewing a quote after the contractor conducts their inspection.