As recent trends show, heat waves are occurring more frequently and with greater intensity across many regions. This kind of extreme heat is presenting rental property owners and investors nationwide with challenges all their own. That’s due to the fact that extended stretches of extreme heat can significantly affect building systems, drive up maintenance demands, and hurt resident comfort. These mounting issues make extreme heat mitigation an increasingly important part of any landlord’s summer preparation. The best way to protect your property and your tenants during extreme heat is, in fact, proactive planning.
Understanding the Risks of Prolonged High Temperatures
Unlike an ordinary summer, extreme heat impacts residential properties in specific, distinct ways. When temperatures soar well above normal, this puts added strain on a property’s major systems, including the HVAC system. Some climates demand near-constant air conditioner use to maintain comfortable temperatures during extreme heat, adding further wear and tear to an already overworked system. Energy costs can rise as a result, especially when the unit isn’t operating at its most efficient.
Extreme heat can also weaken or damage certain building materials, including wood, plastics, adhesives, exterior finishes, roofing materials, paint, caulking, and sealants. As heat damage sets in, signs like fading, cracking, peeling, weakening, and warping can appear, increasing maintenance and repair needs.
Lastly, extreme heat can take a devastating toll on a property’s landscaping. Extreme heat can cause burning, wilting, or death in lawns, plants, or trees that aren’t equipped to withstand high temperatures. This holds true even when proper watering is taking place. Extreme heat and drought can also trigger soil changes and erosion, which cause additional issues once the rain eventually returns.
The most effective defense against extreme heat is getting ready early, before temperatures reach their peak.
Cooling Equipment Works Harder During Heat Waves
Air conditioning systems already working hard to cool a property come under even more strain during prolonged heat. Signs of this added strain can appear in several ways, such as:
- Lower efficiency
- Added wear and tear
- System failures
- More frequent maintenance requests
- Larger utility bills
Avoiding these issues starts with getting your HVAC system inspected and serviced ahead of extreme heat. A system that’s old or already showing wear is at greater risk of failing during an extreme heat event. Consider setting aside a budget for system replacement earlier in the year to sidestep emergency repairs and higher costs.
Resident Comfort Becomes a Top Priority
The other side of keeping your HVAC system running smoothly is ensuring your occupants are safe and comfortable in the heat. Tenant comfort drives retention, which is why proactive maintenance and repair of your cooling system affects things like retention, online reviews, and lease renewals directly. Although the added expense of HVAC maintenance and repairs isn’t popular with rental property owners, the long-term fallout from ignoring a failing system and a dissatisfied tenant can be much worse. Extreme heat carries deadly risks and deserves to be taken seriously. This makes it essential for property owners to tackle cooling concerns quickly during periods of extreme heat.
Smart Landlord Summer Prep Strategies
Rental property owners should knock out a few key maintenance and repair tasks before temperatures start climbing. Getting ahead of issues early is the best defense against more expensive problems during a heat wave.
Your summer maintenance checklist should include some of these smart prep strategies:
- Get all major systems serviced and inspected, including the HVAC system.
- Swap out air filters.
- Check and update insulation and weatherstripping.
- Check irrigation systems and make repairs where needed.
- Evaluate landscaping and shade coverage, updating or adding where needed.
- Prepare procedures for emergency maintenance, make sure your resident understands what to do in a heat-related emergency, and keep vendors vetted and ready to respond.
A little early prevention goes a long way toward saving money compared to emergency peak-season repairs.
Energy-Efficient Upgrades That Help During Heat Waves
Along with your property preparations, consider adding a few energy-efficient upgrades to help protect your property and residents all summer long. Property owners and tenants both stand to benefit from these improvements, which reduce strain on major systems, raise energy efficiency, and naturally cut down on extreme heat’s effects.
Among the most beneficial upgrades to consider are:
- Adjustable, programmable thermostats
- Better insulation
- Windows with improved energy efficiency
- UV-resistant window treatments
- Trees that provide shade
- Shade structures like sails, pergolas, or umbrellas
- Reflective siding and light-colored roofing materials
When combined, these and other property improvements can boost residents’ comfort and safety while cutting energy use, even during extreme heat events.
Staying Ahead of Seasonal Challenges
From HVAC performance to resident satisfaction, heat waves can affect nearly every part of rental property operations. But proper preparation and preventative maintenance can help safeguard your investment against costly surprises during the year’s hottest periods.
Are you prepared for extreme summer temperatures at your rental property? Contact Real Property Management Last Frontier in Chugiak today to learn how our proactive maintenance programs, local expertise, and property management services can help protect your investment and keep residents comfortable all season long.
This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Readers should consult with licensed professionals regarding their specific circumstances.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
