3 AC Tips For Rental Properties In Humid Environments
Some of the most desirable real estate locations in the country exist along waterfronts that, while beautiful, can become hot and humid during the worst summer months. While a good air conditioning system can help relieve indoor humidity, keeping these extra challenges in mind is still essential. Rental property owners need to be particularly aware of these issues.
Whether you own long-term rentals or short-term vacation homes, understanding how humidity affects your HVAC system is critical to protecting your equipment and property. These three tips will ensure your AC system runs efficiently and effectively to keep your tenants comfortable and your property safe.
1. Lock Fan Settings to "Auto"
Your thermostat's fan control is a critical but often misunderstood setting. Most thermostats will include three fan settings: on, off, and auto. Turning your fan off will stop your AC from functioning while turning the setting to "on" will force the fan to run at all times. Finally, the "auto" setting only allows the fan to run while the AC compressor operates.
In high humidity environments, it's critical that this setting remains on "auto" for the system to dehumidify properly. For rental properties, it's worth informing tenants of this condition or even installing a tamper-proof thermostat. Keeping the thermostat on this setting will ensure adequate dehumidification and help prevent excessive moisture or mold damage.
2. Don't Run the System With Open Windows or Doors
Running the system with windows or doors open will reduce its efficiency, but it can also cause additional damage. Your property's HVAC system will continuously draw air to the evaporator coil via the return ductwork. By breaching the structure's envelope, the system will draw excessively humid air across the air handler and evaporator coils.
In addition to reducing efficiency and comfort, moisture build-up on the coils can cause them to freeze. This situation will stop the system from working and may even cause damage to the compressor. Tenants or guests should always understand that it's critical to avoid running the air conditioning system when windows or doors are open.
3. Explain Additional Ventilation Options
Your property's air conditioning system can only remove humidity while it runs, and additional moisture loads (such as from showers or cooking) may strain the system. Bathroom vents and stove hoods are critical ventilation features that help remove this moisture at the source, saving the HVAC system from the added work of removing it.
Always ensure that your tenants understand the importance of these ventilation features. Bathroom fans should always be running during and after showers, and it's especially crucial to run the stove fan while boiling water. These added steps will help relieve pressure on your property's AC system, helping it to last longer and preventing potential damage caused by excessive interior humidity levels.
To learn more, contact a local air conditioning service today.
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