I received a text from a Tenant today stating the heat is not working (boiler heat). I went to the property within 1 hour to investigate. When I went into the apartment I could immediately tell the heat was working fine.

I pulled out my $15 infrared thermometer and got readings ranging from 73 - 75 degrees. Obviously the heat is working good and about 3 degrees warmer then my home. I also let the Tenants see the readings for themselves so they know the heat is working.

This is the 2nd unnecessary service call the laser thermometer has saved this heating season. The facts don't lie.

That might be a tool I need...

I received a lot fewer complaints regarding heat from one house after I hung a two dollar thermometer in an are with good lighting. Tenant could never read the small numbers on the thermostat where it was located.

Have since moved ithermostat to the other side of the wall, from living room into hall. Better lighting, and I just had to drill a small hole, thread wires to other side, patch a small hole. Maybe less complaints because (maybe?) heat cycles on more often in new location?

I've been meaning to add the thermometers to my other units, as How a Thermostat and Heating System Works is something about which my tenants level of learning would be rated Unconsciously Incompetent.

We have as part of the lease, what's called a friviolous maintenance visit charge. $45.00 first half hour (including drive time) and 25.00 every hour there after. For this exact thing.

Also covers -- my heat isn't working-- go there and gas is locked off for non-pay. My lights don't work-- oh yes I replaced bulbs-- get there and no bulbs anywhere. Put in new ones and lite works. yup 45.00.

Last one was a biggie. 390.00 +45.00. Had tenant (been there 2 years) with toilet backing up on septic tank. Send rotor rooter-- nope he said it's in septic tank. He did pulled several feminim products out. Septic guy comes lift lid and sold with you know what--and con d oms. Tenant says it's only my son and I-- as his daughter in law and granddaughter come out of one of the bedrooms.

U can'tmake this up folks-- you all know it.

On,

And drat, I paid $16 for mine!

It' s fun tool - in winter I run around and check temps by the spot, looking for leaks around doors, windows...

I also use it for cooking to check the surface temp of the frying pan.

Ray,