When you own rental property, there’s a fine balance between keeping costs down and protecting your long-term investment. One of the easiest ways to save money, but also one of the easiest things to overlook, is your HVAC system.
It may sound simple, but staying proactive with HVAC care can make the difference between a predictable annual cost and an unexpected financial hit that wipes out months (or even years) of profit.
Why Preventative Maintenance Matters
An HVAC system that’s properly maintained can last 15–20 years. One that’s ignored might struggle to make it past 10. The difference? Regular filter changes and biannual tune-ups.
On average, it costs $300–$500 a year to have your HVAC serviced twice—once in the spring and again in the fall—and to replace filters quarterly. But when you skip that routine, the odds of a breakdown climb quickly. Suddenly, you’re facing a $6,000–$10,000 replacement bill.
That’s not just an expense—it’s a setback that can erase up to two years of rental income.
What Happens When Maintenance is Ignored
Beyond the obvious breakdowns, neglected HVAC systems create hidden costs:
- Higher energy bills due to clogged filters or inefficient operation
- Shortened system lifespan
- Poor air quality that can impact your tenants’ comfort and satisfaction
- Emergency service calls that always seem to happen at the worst time
We covered some of these long-term financial impacts in a previous blog, The Hidden HVAC Costs That Could Impact Your Investments. It’s worth a quick read if you missed it.
What Investors Can Do Right Now
- Change filters every quarter. Set reminders to replace filters, or better yet, provide the service so that you know it’s been done. It’s not worth taking the chance.
- Schedule service twice a year. A licensed HVAC technician should inspect, clean, and tune up your system before summer and winter.
- Keep records. Maintenance receipts help track performance and may even add value when selling your property.
- Educate tenants. Make sure they understand how to adjust thermostats properly and report issues early.
A Smarter Way to Manage HVAC Care
At Houses and Then Some, we understand how important it is to stay proactive without adding stress to your day. That’s why we’re now offering HVAC maintenance as an add-on service for property owners who want the peace of mind that comes with knowing their systems are properly cared for.
If you manage your own properties, we strongly recommend you set up a similar schedule with a trusted local contractor. A few hundred dollars per year is a small price to pay for a system that runs smoothly, keeps tenants happy, and protects your investment for years to come.
