11 Money-Saving Mechanical Secrets for Real Estate Investors
/Practical HVAC & Mechanical Tips That Save Thousands on Rental Properties
If you invest in rental properties—especially in Detroit—your mechanical systems can make or break your cash flow. Furnaces, air conditioners, ductwork, drains, and boilers are some of the most expensive components in any home. Replacing or repairing them without the right knowledge can easily wipe out months of rental income.
At our REIA of Oakland meetup, we hosted an event called table topics, where different experts shared insider tips with new and experienced investors. I had the chance to film a session with Austin Matero of AJM Heating & Cooling, one of the most experienced and investor-friendly HVAC professionals in the area. Austin is licensed in heating and cooling, pest control, and residential building, and he has years of hands-on experience helping investors stretch their rehab budgets further.
These are the kinds of mechanical tips most investors don’t even know to ask, and the kind of knowledge that can save you thousands while improving your long-term rental ROI.
Here are 11 money-saving mechanical secrets every real estate investor should know.
1. Call Smaller Independent Contractors
(2:30)
Big HVAC companies come with big overhead—and big price tags. Independent contractors often offer fairer pricing, faster scheduling, and more personalized service. For investors working on multiple properties, these relationships matter.
2. Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly
(3:58)
A clogged furnace filter is one of the main causes of furnace failure.
4-inch filter: change once per year
1-inch filter: change every 3 months
This small maintenance habit protects your blower motor and heat exchanger and extends equipment life.
3. Hose Down Your A/C Once a Year
(4:04)
Most investors don’t know this incredibly simple, free maintenance trick. Spraying down the A/C condenser removes dust, pollen, and debris, helping the system run more efficiently and preventing early failure.
4. Don’t Waste Money on HVAC Tune-Ups
(4:10)
Austin is very direct about this: tune-ups are mostly a scam.
Save your money. If it breaks, call a reputable HVAC tech. Otherwise, don’t let companies upsell you unnecessary services.
5. Use Base Equipment for Rentals (80% Efficiency Furnace)
(4:45)
High-efficiency furnaces are expensive, require special venting, and cost more to repair. For most rental properties, a basic 80% furnace is cheaper to install, cheaper to maintain, and perfectly adequate.
6. Stick With Goodman for Cheaper Parts & Repairs
(6:25)
Goodman HVAC systems are affordable, reliable, and—most importantly—inexpensive to repair.
Austin recommends avoiding Lennox and Carrier, which have pricier proprietary parts and higher long-term maintenance costs.
7. Avoid Heat Pumps in Michigan
(7:38)
Heat pumps simply aren’t efficient in colder climates like Michigan. They run constantly in the winter, driving up utility bills and frustrating tenants. Furnaces remain the best heating option for this region.
8. Add A/C, Dishwashers & Disposals to Increase Rent
(9:46)
Want higher rents and better tenant retention? Add:
central A/C
dishwashers
garbage disposals
These amenities significantly boost tenant satisfaction and make your rental more competitive in the Detroit market.
9. Avoid Boilers—Or Budget for Adding Ductwork
(11:31)
Boilers can be extremely expensive to repair and replace. If you’re buying a property with a boiler, factor in the cost of transitioning to forced air and the ductwork you’ll need to add.
10. Avoid Under-Slab Ductwork
(14:41)
Under-slab ductwork is prone to moisture, corrosion, and collapse. Repairing it means breaking through concrete—an expensive nightmare. If a property has this setup, be cautious and plan ahead.
11. Use Regulated Herbicide to Remove Roots in Sewer Lines
(16:09)
Tree roots are one of the biggest causes of sewer backups. Using a regulated herbicide foam can keep lines clear and save thousands in emergency sewer repairs.
Final Thoughts: Mechanical Knowledge = Higher ROI
Mechanical systems are one of the highest-cost areas in real estate investing—but they don’t have to drain your profits. With the right knowledge and the right experts, you can protect your rentals, reduce maintenance costs, and boost your cash flow.
Special thanks to Austin Matero of AJM Heating & Cooling for sharing these powerful, practical tips that every investor needs to hear.
If you want to learn more, watch the full video here:
“11 Money-Saving Mechanical Secrets for Real Estate Investors”