As the weather begins to shift towards the cold, winter is surely on its way. While there are a lot of events and tasks that accompany a change in season, one that you really have to remember is to prepare your home for winter. To make sure that your Osprey rental property is in top shape month after month, you need to make sure it gets seasonal maintenance. Prepare for a new season before it arrives because that’s the best time to do it. While some winterization tasks are best left to your landlord or a professional, you can take the initiative by making sure your home is ready for the cold temperature.
Cooling System
Once temperatures have dropped enough that your air conditioner is no longer needed, it’s time to winterize it for the season. In so doing, you protect your unit and improve it so that it performs just as well the next time. Prepping an AC unit for winter is easy: clean off the condensing unit with a spray of water, let dry, and then cover the unit with a breathable, waterproof cover. It’s best to close all your vents and cover them if you have window units.
Heating System
With winter approaching, it’s important to fire up your furnace for a test run long before you need it. This can be done by simply turning on the furnace to check if it still works. Also, be sure to replace your air filters, clean and open all heating vents, and check for any obstructions. If you run into any issues with it, call your landlord immediately.
Fireplace
If your rental home has a fireplace, there are a few things you can do to prepare it for use. To illustrate, perhaps one of the things you can do is to check if the chimney has been cleaned or not. If not, then you can always tell your landlord about it so a request for cleaning can be scheduled. All the more if you have reason to believe that birds, mice, squirrels, or other animals have made a nest inside. Then, remove any flammable objects from around the fireplace opening and check that the damper is working properly.
Plumbing
It’s normal to have frozen water pipes in freezing weather. To help keep your home’s pipes from freezing, take steps before cold temperatures arrive. Check the basement, crawlspace, attic, or exterior for exposed pipes. Then, wrap any pipes with foam insulating sleeves. As needed, exterior faucets, hoses, and sprinkler systems should be drained, disconnected, and covered. This will go a long way in making sure that your plumbing functions properly all winter long.
Windows & Doors
When temperatures drop low, expect to have issues with drafts and air leaks. So that you can avoid these problems during winter, check your home’s doors and windows for gaps, cracks, and air leaks. Usually, air leaks around doors and windows can be fixed with some caulk or weather stripping. If those air leaks don’t have a noticeable source, though, then let your landlord know so that they can be handled properly by a professional.
Yard & Patio
And, remember to get your yard, patio, or deck ready for the winter, too. Autumn is a splendid time to trim back trees and shrubs, clean up fallen leaves, and mow the lawn one last time. Also, don’t forget to cover and store grills, patio furniture, cushions, hammocks, and other warm-weather furnishings. Don’t let snow or cold weather damage your outdoor furnishings – by taking good care of them, they will definitely last longer.
Even though preparing your home for winter could be a bit of a daunting task, it will be well worth it when the cold temperatures arrive. However, if spending another winter in your current rental home is out of the question, now would be a good time to move. Check out the available rental listings that Real Property Management Sarasota & Manatee has to offer.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
