Helpful Info for Happy Renting

Heat Pumps & Smoke Alarms

Energy bills often rise in winter, but summer can also increase costs, especially with cooling. Heat pumps are an efficient way to manage both heating and cooling, but maintaining their performance is essential for controlling energy use and ensuring comfort year-round.

 

Maximise Efficiency in Winter

  • Use Heating Mode: Switch your heat pump to heating mode for the best performance in winter. Avoid using auto mode, as it may switch between heating and cooling, leading to inefficiency.
  • Set Airflow Direction: Adjust the louvres to point downward or horizontally to circulate warm air throughout the room more effectively.
  • Maintain a Comfortable Temperature: Set your heat pump to 18-22°C. Higher temperatures will waste energy, while lower settings may not provide you with enough warmth.

Maximise Efficiency in Summer

  • Use Cooling Mode: For the most efficient cooling, avoid using the ‘auto mode’ setting, which switches between heating and cooling. Instead, stick to cooling.
  • Airflow Direction: Set the louvres to point upward or horizontally to allow cold air to naturally sink and cool the room.
  • Humidity Control: If your heat pump has a dehumidifier function, use it to reduce humidity, making the air feel cooler.
  • Set a Reasonable Temperature: Keep the temperature between 20-22°C. Lower settings won’t cool the room any faster but will increase energy consumption.

 

Maintaining Your Heat Pump

Regular cleaning of your heat pump is essential to maintain its efficiency, whether you're using it for heating in winter or cooling in summer. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate in the unit, affecting its performance and air quality.

To clean:

  • Remove the filters carefully from the unit.
  • Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and dirt.
  • For a more thorough clean, wash the filters in warm, soapy water.
  • Let them dry completely before replacing them

Smoke Alarm Upkeep

Smoke alarms are checked at the beginning of each new tenancy.

Landlord Obligations

The landlord is responsible for providing smoke alarms for all tenanted properties.

Smoke alarms must be installed within 3 metres of each bedroom door, in each level or story of a multi-story or multi-level home and in all rental homes, boarding houses, and self-contained sleepouts.

Tenant Obligations

Tenants must inform us immediately if there are any issues with smoke alarms, such as constant beeping. Do not remove or tamper with the alarm. As per the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, tenants must not interfere with fire safety measures, including smoke detectors.

Tenants must also replace dead batteries during the tenancy if there are older-style smoke alarms with replaceable batteries at the property. If a smoke alarm isn't working, contact the property manager right away.

If tenants don’t meet their obligations, they could face a penalty of up to $4,000.

If you’re concerned about the smoke alarms in your rental property, please contact your property manager.

Troubleshooting

  • Intermittent beeping indicates batteries need replaced.
  • For false alarms press the button on the smoke alarm to turn it off.

Reasons Your Smoke Alarm May Give a False Alarm

  • Burnt Food: Always supervise your cooking to avoid triggering the alarm.
  • Humidity and Steam: Use extraction fans and avoid drying clothes indoors to reduce moisture in the air.
  • Cold Temperatures (below 10°C): Keep the property heated to prevent false alarms caused by cooler indoor temperatures.
  • Dust: Regularly clean around the smoke alarm to prevent dust buildup, which can interfere with its sensors and cause false alarms.