2017 Tax Information Package

Hard to believe it is tax time again and our accounting staff is already working them. The IRS requires us to release your 1099 by January 31st.  We also include a tax summary for the year.  You should received it within the first week or so in February.  If you do not receive it, please let me know.  

Why Does My Heat Pump Air Feel Cold When My Heat Is On?

A Virginia Beach tenant called me today with a common concern for people who have heat pumps, so I thought I would share the answer.  The tenant stated, "I think something is wrong with my heat pump since the air feels cool to the touch when the heat is on."

If your house has a heat pump and the heat normally feels luke warm or even cold, it is because of the way a heat pump works by extracting heat from the cold air outside.  Gas and oil heat will always feel warmer to the touch, since it is actually burning fuel to create heat. 

There is an easy way to improve how the temperature feels inside a house with a heat pump and that is by using a whole house humidifier during the colder months.  The extra moisture in the air will make it feel warmer.  Since the heat is also dry, the added moisture in the air will also eliminate most static electricity too.  

I have a whole house humidifier in my own home and love it, especially on cold nights it will make a big difference.  I just do not recommend using it over 55 degrees or so, because it makes it feel too warm and humid.  If you have a 2-story home, the best place to keep it is near staircase, since the humidity will also travel upstairs too. 

Jorge Gonzalez

Here's Why You Should Buy Inexpensive Air Filters For Your HVAC System

It is better to purchase the inexpensive air filters, since they allow more air to flow through your HVAC system.  The more expensive filters are much thicker and reduce the air flow through your HVAC system and make your HVAC system work harder. When your HVAC system has to work harder it is less efficient and will have a more difficult time to reach the desired temperature.  

Every year I get several calls from tenants that their A/C or Heat is not working very well or their utility bill was very high.  I have had HVAC service technicians literally call me back and say there was 2" of dirt accumulated on the air filter.  This means the filter was probably not changed in the past year or more.  This just smothers the system by reducing the air flow to the point where very little air is getting through.  Just think how hard it would be to breathe through a pillow.  The concept is basically the same.  

Always remember to change your air filter(s) monthly to keep the HVAC system clean and so it breathes properly.  Clean air filters will keep your electric bill lower too.  Next time you at the hardware store just pick up a multipack of the inexpensive filters so you have extra filters on hand.  The easy way to remember to change the air filter each month is to do it when the rent is due.  

If you have any questions about your HVAC system, please feel free to contact me.

Jorge Gonzalez