Landlords in Fountain Hills know that Arizona experiences some of the hottest summers in the country. The low humidity and high heat can be tough on your tenants and your rental property itself. But as a landlord, there are things you can do to prepare your rental property for Arizona summers.
Maintaining the AC on a Rental Property
Tenants will be running the AC all day and night to stay cool, so the air conditioning unit must remain in good working condition. It’s important to check the filters and change them regularly. Quality filters are far less expensive than replacing or repairing your rental property’s air conditioner.
How often you replace the filter in a long-term rental home versus a vacation home is dependent on several factors, including:
- Tenant occupancy
- The size of the filter
- The type of filter
It’s a good idea to check your long-term rental home's AC filters every month as a rule of thumb. For a vacation home, you can check the filter every other month since the air conditioning isn’t running at full tilt all the time.
At least once a year, a licensed HVAC technician should inspect and service the AC unit to ensure it runs economically and to catch any needed repairs before they become more expensive problems.
Preventive and serviceable AC unit repairs include:
- Leaks in the ductwork
- Cleaning coils (inside and outside)
- Inspecting the Freon levels
- Lubricating moving parts
- Tightening electrical connections
A well-maintained AC unit will run more efficiently and use less energy, saving you (if you own a short-term rental) or your tenant money on utility bills. It's a win-win situation.
While inspecting your AC unit, you should also take preventative maintenance steps like trimming back trees and shrubs around the outside condenser unit. This can help ensure proper airflow so your property’s air conditioner can operate as efficiently as possible.
Windows, Doors & Fans
Another essential part of preparing your rental home for summer in the Phoenix area is to ensure you seal all windows and doors to help keep cool air in and hot air out. This simple task will make the AC unit work more efficiently and reduce the need to run it continuously.
If you notice any drafts, seal the gaps with caulk or weatherstripping. Tenants don’t like higher-than-needed energy bills and overworking your property’s AC unit can lead to expensive fixes.
Solar Screens & Window Tint
One of the best ways to prepare your rental home for the summer heat is to prevent heat gain in the first place. Installing solar screens or window film on your windows can be done by a professional or yourself.
Solar screens are made of a reflective material that reflects sunlight away from your property, reducing the amount of heat that enters the home, and making it easier and cheaper to keep cool during the summer months.
Window film is a thin film applied to your windows, and it works by reflecting heat away from your home, keeping it cooler during the summer months.
Both solar screens and window film are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They can make a big difference in the amount of heat that enters the home, reducing the cost of keeping cool in the hot Phoenix summers.
While each method has limitations, the advantages of both solar screens and window film make them worth considering for your rental home.
Seasonal Pest Control for Rental Properties
No one likes reviews that start with, "The house was nice, but there were bugs everywhere!" Seasonal pest control will help ensure that your Greater Phoenix rental home or vacation property is pest-free and ready for summer.
If you see any signs of pests, it’s best to contact a professional pest control company for a treatment that will last a while. Summer pest control is an integral part of preparing your rental home for the summer heat.
Cool and Comfortable During Arizona Summers
Preparing your rental home for the summer heat can not only save you money but boost tenant retention as well because your rental property will be cooler, more comfortable, and easier on your tenants’ wallets.
Property Management in Fountain Hills, AZ
At Stratton Vantage Property Management, we understand the importance of keeping your rental property in tip-top shape, no matter the season.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you prepare your rental home for the summer heat, give you peace of mind, and get the most return on your investment.
