This article has been supplied by Jim & # 39; s Air Conditioning
As a property owner or manager, it can be difficult to balance financial decisions with the comfort of your tenants, especially for air conditioners in rental properties.
Deciding whether or not to install an air conditioner in your rental property can be tricky as it is, let alone the type. We've chatted with experts in the air conditioner industry to tell you what you need to know about rental air conditioners, and what you need to know before you make up your mind.
Types of Air Conditioners Ideal for Rental Property
There are three main types of air conditioners that would be suitable for a rental property. Each has their own pros and cons that you need to weigh before committing.
Duct air conditioning
If comfort, efficiency, and resale value are important to you, then ducted air conditioning is the option to consider. Ducted air conditioning provides efficient heating and cooling throughout the home from a single unit.
This air conditioning system can be installed in new and old homes, but it is more cost effective when installed in new construction. Upgrading a ducted air conditioner in an older home is more laborious and therefore more expensive.
While this system may cost more upfront, environmentally conscious homeowners will appreciate greater efficiency and a smaller carbon footprint. Your tenants will also appreciate the lower running costs of this air conditioning unit.
If you are considering selling this investment property in the future, ducted air conditioning is a great selling point and will increase the market value of your home. Some homebuyers will pay more for a home with ducted air conditioning than for a home without too much.
Verdict: Ducted air conditioning is a good option for homeowners willing to pay the higher upfront cost for efficient and environmentally friendly air conditioning, and better marketing for resales futures.
Divided system
If the initial cost of ducted air conditioning is too high, installing a split system might be the way to go. These air conditioning systems are ideal for heating and cooling individual rooms.
These units are still energy efficient and are considerably more cost effective initially than duct systems. That said, if you plan to install multiple split systems, the installation cost will rival that of ducted air conditioning.
Verdict: For the budget-conscious homeowner who still wants an efficient air conditioning system, split systems are a good compromise.
Window / wall air conditioner
When price is a concern but still want to keep your tenants comfortable when the Australian heat hits, a window / wall air conditioner is your best bet. These units have low installation costs and require minimal labor for installation – just place them in a window or cut off a section of your wall and install it. 39; place there.
However, window air conditioners have certain drawbacks. The first is that they are not the most efficient units. Energy bills tend to fall on the tenant, so while efficiency is not a financial concern for you as the landlord, you will be responsible for the environmental effects of it.
Window / wall air conditioners are also considerably noisier than the other types we have discussed. When the heat really sets in, this unit will keep your tenants cool when it matters most.
Renters can even buy their own window air conditioner and put it in the window at no cost to you!
Verdict: When you just want to keep your tenants comfortable but don't have the money to spend on a fancy air conditioner, a wall / window air conditioner is your best option.
Portable air conditioner
If you are just not able to install air conditioning on your property, you may recommend that your tenants go and buy a portable air conditioner. While not energy efficient, this type of air conditioner will at least keep your tenants comfortable and the upfront cost is low.
Ideally, you would like to maintain your tenants for the long term, but this option could lead them to look elsewhere to rent.
Verdict: When finances are tight, this is your best short term option. In the long run, you may have a hard time finding long-term tenants.
Can I request additional rent with an air conditioner?
If your rental property does not have an air conditioner and your tenant has requested it be installed, you can negotiate a nice rent increase. This shouldn't be the chance to swindle your tenant with an unreasonable rent increase.
In the long run, this will not work in your favor, which will likely cause your current tenant to seek alternative accommodation after their lease ends. This will leave you with a vacant property and mortgage liability alone.
With all of this information, you can assess the benefits of each type of air conditioner and decide which one will best suit your rental property.
