Air Conditioner Maintenance Tips for Real Estate Agents

Posted On Monday, 22 February 2021 21:09

As a real estate agent, you have the unique opportunity to help clients settle into their new homes comfortably and safely. For many new homeowners, the process of buying a house is as exciting as it is overwhelming. There's so much to do, from unpacking to painting, your clients are embarking upon a life-changing experience. You've probably gone through the entire house a hundred times, checking for any inconsistencies and ensuring all of the electricity, plumbing, and everything in-between is in perfect condition. But did you conduct a thorough maintenance check of the air conditioner? 

Many people forget how dangerous an old or malfunctioning air conditioner can be inside a residential home. Without conducting proper maintenance and repair work on your unit’s AC unit, you risk putting clients’ health and safety in danger. We’ve created a list of air conditioner maintenance tips for your upcoming house inspection so you can rest easy knowing that your clients have a healthy home structure, inside and out. 

The Hazards of Not Maintaining Your Air Conditioner 

Poor or neglectful AC unit maintenance can cause people to develop health hazards from harmful particles circulating in the air. Over time, harmful bacteria, pollutants, and other contaminants will grow within the AC unit and spread throughout all the rooms in the house. Without regular air conditioner repair services these tiny harmful particles can cause, aggravate, or contribute to severe health conditions. Do any of your clients have asthma, allergies, or other bronchial diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)? Such health concerns can worsen when bacteria and moulds are floating in the air. 

Legionnaire’s Disease

Some people can develop additional health concerns to existing conditions from bacteria circulating in the air. Legionnaire’s Disease is a severe type of pneumonia, and is caused by inhaling harmful legionella bacteria, which lives and thrives in water. Typically, this type of bacteria is common, found in small numbers, and is usually harmless to people. However, when the legionella bacteria manoeuvre their way inside an AC unit, unattended and poorly-maintained, it can multiply rapidly. 

The bacteria spread throughout households by attaching themselves to water droplets and travelling through the air conditioning system. Legionnaire’s Disease can be fatal. One out of every ten people can die from this disease. It can often be avoided just by maintaining proper air quality maintenance. 

Air Conditioner Check-list 

Air conditioning maintenance is serious business. Let’s take a look at how you can create a safe and healthy environment for all of your future homeowners.

Replace or Clean the Filters

An AC filter's function is to clean the air circulating in an interior space. It traps and holds harmful particles of bacteria, such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and dirt. But without regular and proper check-ups, filters will clog with all of those particles. It will become more difficult for air to push through a clogged filter, and when it does pass through, it will carry all of that dust and bacteria with it. Check your homes’ air conditioner filters to ensure that they’re all clean and in good, functioning condition. You might have to replace the filter entirely. If you don’t know how to complete such a task, reach out to your local HVAC contractor. They’ll provide professional assistance.  

It's also wise to tell new homeowners about the importance of AC filter maintenance. Always show clients where the HVAC system is located, and advise them to check up on the filters monthly. 

Clean the Outside Unit 

You might notice leaves and other greenery covering the air conditioner's outside unit. If it’s an older house or one that hasn’t received regular landscaping, you might find yourself in a bit of a green jungle. All of that foliage build-up can reduce the AC system’s airflow. Take an afternoon to clean up the area surrounding the unit by following these steps:

• Shut off the power to the AC.
• Gently wash the debris away with a garden hose (don’t use a power washer, as it could damage the unit’s coils and fins).
• Use garden clippers to trim any loose branches to create a clear space for the unit to operate.

It requires some legwork, but cleaning the outside area where the air conditioner sits is essential to the maintenance process. 

Get a Professional to Check the Electrical Wiring 

Checking to ensure that the air conditioner's internal wiring is in excellent shape is a critical part of the maintenance checklist. You’ll want a professional contractor for this task to provide expert insight.

The next time you prepare a new home for future owners, don’t forget to give the air conditioner a thorough tune-up and inspection. And, always advise clients also to perform regular check-ups to maintain a healthy, happy home.

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