HVAC Drain Lines
HVAC units remove the humidity from inside your home and in the process will produce a lot of water condensate. This water goes down a primary drain line (if you’re in a two-story house, it usually connects to the bathroom sink downstairs….if you’re in a one story it probably discharges outside the house from a PVC pipe in the soffit or near the slab on the side of the home). With a slow trickle of water from the AC this pipe is known to clog up over time. It’s wise to flush it out monthly (same time you change the filter) with vinegar and hot water. If it is clogged you can also try an air compressor to blow the line out. If the primary line is clogged there is usually a secondary line that will drain out in a highly visible area – front porch or back porch. This way you are aware that the line is clogged. Get your AC serviced immediately if that is the case to prevent any water stopping up and leaking from the AC unit.
AZ HOME RENTERS, LLC
9242 W Union Hills Dr Suite 102
Peoria, AZ 85382
602-391-7777
Add Some House Plants
Whether you want to grow some herbs and spices or some decorative flowers, these plants will not only help improve your home’s appearance, but will also help keep your air fresh. This will cut back on your need to buy and run electric air purifiers.
Smoke Detectors
It is the tenant responsibility to regularly check and test the smoke detector in your home. Updating the batteries in your detector as needed on a regular basis. If, after checking your smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and updating the batteries, you find your detector is not functioning properly, please contact us right away so we can arrange to replace the detector as soon as possible.
Timing is Critical for Spring Weed Control
Spray early. The best time to spray weeds is in the spring, it’s critical to spray as early as possible. When yards are sprayed later in the spring or early summer the chemical is not as effective at killing the roots of the weed as it is with an early spring spraying.
Renters see that they have weeds, but they often don’t want to spend the money to spray. But spraying weeds should be looked at as an investment because it prevents HOA Violations & Fines which are passed on to the Tenant. Did you know you can control your weeds by spraying them with inexpensive kitchen vinegar?
Garbage Disposals
Garbage disposals typically start to stink after a while. To help keep the blades sharp and try to rid the interior of any grease build-up or other material, toss a few ice cubes in the disposal and run it until they are chopped and gone. You can also periodically take a lemon or orange peel and put it down the drain. The oils and juices from the fruit will help clean the walls of the disposal and leave a fresh scent. If the odor is very stubborn, you can pour some baking soda into the disposal and let it sit for several hours before running the water and turning on the disposal to flush it out.
Dishwasher
This might be one of the dirtiest appliances in the kitchen! Monthly, take a cup of vinegar and pour it into the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a cycle with no dishes present to help sanitize and clean the unit.
As a tenant, there are things you should do monthly to help maintain the integrity of the home and the mechanical systems that keep you nice and cool.
Change the AC filters…
There is one trick we can all do to help prevent the HVAC from going out…changing the filter regularly. Often times a dirty air filter is the culprit when the HVAC goes out and tenants can be held financially responsible when this is the case. Just like your dryer, which has a lint filter to catch all the lint, your air filter catches all the debris in the air. When your dryer lint filter isn’t cleaned, your clothes don’t dry properly. With a dirty air filter, you won’t get air flow. We always recommend replacing your air filter every 30-day. A good reminder is to change it when you pay your rent. Dirty air filters also hurt your AC unit’s efficiency – raising energy costs 5-15%. By not replacing a $5 air filter can cost you money! So, while it’s on your mind, replace your air filter! Help have cleaner, cool air, and save some money while you are at it! If you don’t want to go to the home improvement store every month, we recommend purchasing a year’s worth of filters at a time, click here to review standard size filters.
Invest in Heavier Curtains
Many renters rely on vertical blinds for privacy. They do the job, but still let a lot of heat in during the peak of the summer. Install energy-efficient curtains on your sun facing windows to cut your summer cooling costs.
These are just a few tips to help keep your appliances running properly when they are being used the most. If a major issue ever does occur, let us know right away.
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