Cold snaps can wreak havoc on a home, but a few simple steps can highly reduce any damages. Tenants play a crucial role in preparing the property for Winter, ensuring smooth operation and minimizing potential emergencies. While maintenance tasks may not be the most thrilling, proactive planning can prevent mid-winter crises. None of us want to deal with a leaking roof or a malfunctioning heater during the Holiday season! Here are a few tips to keep ensure your residential rental properties are in top condition going in to winter.
- Test the Furnace in Advance: Before winter sets in, test the furnace to ensure it’s functioning properly. Identifying any issues early on allows for timely repairs, avoiding disruptions when temperatures drop. It’s much easier to get an HVAC repair scheduled in the off seasons.
- Maintain Adequate Heat: Keep the heat on even when you’re away during the Holidays. We ask our tenants to set the thermostat to at least 55°F to prevent pipes from freezing and potential damage.
- Know Where the Water Shut-Off Valve Is: Familiarize yourself with the location of the water shut-off valve. In case of emergencies like burst pipes, shutting off the water supply can prevent extensive water damage. Consider turning off the water if you’ll be away for an extended period.
- Prevent Frozen Pipes: During freezing temperatures, allow faucets to drip slowly to maintain water flow and prevent pipe freezing. Keep cabinet doors open to allow heat access to wall pipes. Cover all outdoor hose bibs with protective covers to prevent freezing and potential breakage.
- Turn off Sprinklers: Disable the sprinkler system during freezing weather to prevent mess and potential pipe damage.
In addition to the above, regular ongoing maintenance such as gutter cleaning, roof inspection, tree trimming and HVAC system check-up help to ensure the property is Winter-ready. Collaboration between landlords and tenants ensures a well-maintained property during the Winter months.