Top Questions Regarding HVAC Systems for Multi-Family Housing

Let's say you're a property manager that needs to repair or replace your current HVAC system for your rental properties. Where do you start and what questions should you be asking to make the best decision for your investment?

In this video, we'll answer the most commonly asked questions regarding HVAC systems for multifamily housing.

I'm Mickey, one of the multifamily sales professionals for Fire & Ice. As a team, we have answered thousands of questions from property managers over the years, so we've compiled a list of seven of the most common questions we are asked regarding HVAC systems for rental properties.

By the end of this video, you'll know the information that you need to start a conversation with a multifamily sales professional.

Here's a list of the most common questions that we receive:

• Should I repair or replace my units?

• What's involved in the installation process?

• What's involved in the repair process?

• How much does it cost for installation or service?

• Are there any discounts available?

• How long will it take for installation or service?

• And finally, why do I need maintenance?

So let's get started with the first question we commonly get asked about multifamily HVAC systems:

Should I repair or replace my units?
Repairing or replacing your units is the toughest question. If a unit is 15 years or older, it's usually best to replace it because refrigerants have now changed. It will be more energy efficient, and you will be providing a new set of warranty. If your system is 15 years or younger, you can always look at repairing. Have a licensed technician come out, take a look at the system, see what they discover, and then you can make your decision based upon that.

What's involved in the installation process?
We would first come out to the property to look at some of the units and get proper sizing. We would then email over a quote and upon your approval, set an install date. On the day of the install, our installers will stop at the office. We will confirm that the tenants are home or if we need a key provided. Installs typically start between eight and nine in the morning. Depending on staffing and availability, whether it's sales or installers, we will always be in a marked vehicle with name badges and a uniform. After the installation has been completed, the installers will go back to the office.

What's involved in the repair process?
Our technicians will arrive in a marked vehicle with a uniform and a name tag. They will come to the office and let them know that they are here to look at the system. The technician will then go to the unit. They'll inspect the entire system, even if it's a no cooler or no key. They're going to look at the whole system to see what's going on. If the system needs further repair, we will provide a quote on what it's going to take to get the system up and running again.

How much does it cost for service or installation?
For installation, the price can range from $2,400 all the way up to $6,000. Some of the factors that can change the price are the size of the equipment and where it's located. Are we replacing the indoor unit, the outdoor unit, or both?
The cost of service is a little different. It'll be $99 to have our technician come out and take a look to see what's going on. They'll look at the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. Upon discovery, the price could be anywhere from $200 up to the cost of the replacement.

Are there discounts available?
Yes. Installation discounts we offer during the off-season. The off-season would be October through March, or if your property does 10 units or more at one time. On the service side, there are discounts available once you become a replacement partner. For anyone that replaces 10 systems in a calendar year, you get 20% off of the services.

How long will it take for installation or service?
It will take a full day. Our team will arrive between eight and nine. They will be done around six o'clock, depending if it's a half system or a full system. For service, it'll take one to two hours depending on the repair.

And finally, why do I need maintenance?
Several reasons why you should maintain your systems yearly. You will keep the manufacturer warranties valid. You'll keep the system energy efficient. You'll prolong the life of your system, and you can discover minor issues before they become major issues.

We hope by now you have a better understanding of what typically goes into repairing or replacing your HVAC system. If you want more information on how Fire & Ice can help you with your heating and cooling needs, email me, Nikki, at nikki@indoortemp.com to start the conversation. We are looking forward to meeting with you and hope that we can make your day better.