There’s a lot that can go wrong in a rental, but heading into winter, a broken or malfunctioning furnace is one of the worst.

If your heating fails, you’ll be left with very disgruntled, shivering tenants so it’s best to be proactive. Give your furnace a maintenance check at the start of the season, paying careful attention to the following warning signs. If something’s amiss, it’s better to install your new furnace now than deal with the hassle of an expensive emergency replacement.

Furnace Red Flags

High energy bills

Energy costs are going up, but if you notice unusually large and/or sudden increases in your bill that could be a sign that your furnace is acting up. Inefficient furnaces have to work harder to heat your property, and you’ll eventually see that reflected in your Hydro bill.

Age

Most furnaces have a lifespan of 15-20 years so check the date yours was installed. If it’s approaching the end of that window, it may be more cost-effective to replace it rather than helping it limp along with constant repairs.

Well-maintained furnaces can stretch their lifespan past 20 years, so it’s also important to note the condition of your furnace. If you’ve been diligent about cleaning filters, regularly servicing it, and checking the vents, you could be in the clear.

Cold spots 

If your tenants start complaining that one room in the property is chillier than the others, that could be a sign that your furnace isn’t circulating heat as it should.

Give the furnace a once over to rule out any leaky ducts. If that’s not the issue then it’s time to consider upgrading to a newer model.

Noise, dust, and repairs

Old furnaces are fussy furnaces. As it degrades with age, your furnace will likely start complaining – producing soot, making more noise, or constantly breaking down. 

Of course, all furnaces need attention at times but if it regularly needs serviced, starts making strange sounds such as rattling or banging, or produces dirt and debris, that’s a pretty reliable indicator that it’s not going to last long.

Managing & maintaining your property

There’s a lot to juggle when looking after a property but landlords have a legal responsibility to make sure their properties are “in a good state of repair”. In practice, that means making sure your tenants are comfortable and safe all year round.

Hiring a property manager can help. Our dedicated team at Highgate Property Management oversees all aspects of a landlord’s property, making sure their appliances are functioning properly, any repairs are promptly dealt with, and any emergencies handled. 

We monitor and manage your rental to save you the stress of dealing with the day to day admin of being a landlord. All you have to do is enjoy the steady stream of passive income! Contact us today to see how we can help you make the most of your investment.