When you own a multi-tenant building, there are some intricacies involved when it comes to maintenance. This is as true with the HVAC system as it is with other systems, such as the plumbing and electric systems. During the summer months, it is especially important to ensure your AC system is running well so all of your tenants can stay cool and comfortable. So, how do you manage HVAC systems in your multi-tenant building in the summer? To start, follow these tips.
Schedule Maintenance Early
With any HVAC system, maintenance is the key to preventing breakdowns and more serious problems down the road. With a multi-tenant building, having the AC fail is an even bigger deal, which means it’s well worth avoiding having this happen. To do so, make sure you schedule a full AC maintenance appointment early in the season, before it gets too warm. This way, any minor problems can be identified and fixed early on, before they become bigger issues. There is often less need to gain access to tenants’ units for typical maintenance than for the more in-depth repairs you may need if you neglect maintenance.
Give Tenants Early Notice
If your HVAC contractors do need to enter tenants’ units to do work, make sure you give the tenants as much notice as possible. In most areas, you’re required to give tenants either 24 hours’ or 48 hours’ notice, but it’s kind to give even more notice if you are able.
Even if your HVAC contractor does not have to enter tenants’ apartments, it’s a good idea to let tenants know, in advance, when work is being done on the system. This way, they won’t be alarmed if they see someone on the roof taking care of a rooftop commercial air conditioning unit, for example.
Ask Tenants to Report Problems
In most cases, your tenants are going to notice problems with the AC system before you do. So, reach out to your tenants and ask them to kindly let you know if they notice anything is wrong. You may want to give them a specific list of problems to make you aware of. This list could include unusual noises, unusual smells, and dust coming from the HVAC system. The sooner you find out about these early signs of HVAC trouble, the sooner you can call a commercial HVAC repair service.
Set Up Remote Monitoring
If you don’t already have a way to remotely monitor your building’s HVAC system, this is something to discuss with your HVAC contractor during your next visit. There are apps that are compatible with smart commercial thermostats and will alert you to any problems immediately. This way, you aren’t completely dependent on tenants to report HVAC trouble.
With these tips, you should have fewer problems with your building’s AC system. Don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Climico if you’re in need of cooling tower repair or replacement. We also offer HVAC service contracts and more.