In the summer months, the phone lines are silent as tenants are off to the beach, community pool or visiting family and friends while soaking up all the warm weather. And if a problem arises, it may not be a problem for tenants to skip town in search of some outdoor adventures.
Unfortunately, winter months are another story. School is in session and tenants may be stricken with severe colds or a case of the flu, making the inoperable heater or hot water heater unbearable. And your phone lines are sure to be ringing off the hook until you rectify the problem.
A better option: make preparations to the property before the temperatures drop so you up the chances of smooth sailing on those frigid days. Here are some useful winter property maintenance tips:
1. HVAC Maintenance
With the proper preparation of your HVAC system, utility consumption can be curbed, which equates to less money out of your tenants’ pocket. An inspection also detects problems that can turn into costly repairs later on down the road. Be sure to swap filters monthly, service the gas or electric heater, and inspect ducts for damage and proper insulation.
2. Chimney Inspection
Tenants may be tempted to burn a few blocks of wood to keep warm as the temperatures dip, but doing so when vents are damaged can cause carbon dioxide emissions into their home or even worse, a fire. Here are a few tips to get the fireplaces up and running.
3. Pool Coverings
Prior to covering the property’s pool, you’ll want to invest in a winterizing kit to prevent the buildup of algae caused by stagnant water that is neither sanitized nor filtered. In The Swim has a plethora of affordable winter options including pool covers and winterizing kits. Or if you prefer to purchase the items separately, be sure to pick up winterizer, winter stain-away, chlorine-free shock, a time-release floater containing oxidizer and winter sorb.
4. Gutter Cleaning
They should be free of leaves and any other debris to prevent the accumulation of water, ice or even snow, all which can be detrimental to the roofing and cause leaks and ice dams.
5. Fix Peeling Paint
This prevents deterioration and further damage that could result from exposed siding. And don’t forget to inspect the surface to ensure water damage isn’t the culprit for peeling or chipping paint.
6. Inspect the Roof
Damage to the roof may not be visible from the interior of the property, so you’ll still need to check the exterior for signs of missing, damaged or loose shingles. Inspect your roof frequently and clear any debris as it aids in the buildup of moisture. Another note: homes without proper ventilation may experience entrapped moisture, damaging the roof.
7. Drain Garden Hoses
Sedentary water has the potential to freeze during the winter months and rupture the pipes, so the hoses will need to be drained. You should do the same with drain sprinkler-systems using spigots.
8. Cover Window Unit Air Conditioners
These systems don’t fare well in the winter months, so remove them promptly and wrap the portion exposed to the exterior of the building in an air conditioner cover. And don’t forget to vacuum the interior of the unit before placing it back in the windowsill to ensure debris doesn’t keep it from operating at the optimal level.
It’s better to be proactive than reactive, and you’ll save yourself the headaches and costs associated with urgent repairs.