Every year it seems that winter comes upon us much too fast, and before you know it, you are breaking open the storage containers looking for your favorite pair of hats and gloves. Without proper preparation for the cold winter months, you may be left with head colds and other illnesses, which can be quite miserable.The same goes for your management properties if you do not prepare accordingly for the long, cold months ahead that are sure to provide wear to any property, you could be in for a long winter! Preventative maintenance helps to avoid costly emergency repair bills, unnecessary wear and tear on your property, and resident dissatisfaction. Rentwell has compiled a list of our favorite winter property maintenance tips.
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Check for peeling paint. Inspect exterior walls to see if any paint is peeling or blistering on the house or building. Peeling paint may be a sign that the existing paint film is failing and not protecting the building siding. If the problem is not fixed, the siding could deteriorate, leading to expensive future repairs.
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Switch out HVAC filter. Be sure to switch out your filter every 30-60 days. This will allow the system to function properly, run more efficiently and save you money on heating bills.
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Flush the water heater. This is a cheap and easy procedure that we recommend you do every 2 years. It only costs about $30, so it's worth it. Flushing the system helps to control the buildup of mineral deposits, resulting in a more efficient heater.
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Service oil or gas heater. Cleaning your furnace is a service that varies upon your system, but one that is an absolute necessity.
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Cover or remove window unit air conditioners. Vacuum internal parts of air conditioners. Remove units from windows or wrap the outside box with a tarp or plastic air conditioner cover.
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Inspect the roof. A roof inspection is key before Mother Nature decides to lose her cool on your property. Leaking or collapsing ceilings are a nightmare to deal with for your family and wallet.
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Trim the trees and landscape. Tree trimmings and landscaping can be done prior to the winter to avoid any fall off or to help keep the attractiveness of your property at an all time high.
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Inspect the chimney. Always have your chimney inspected for any repairs that need to be done before there is any further damage caused by any storms, and before Jolly Ole Saint Nick comes down the chimney.
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Clean the gutters. A simple gutter cleaning before the winter will help you avoid any further damage that may be done to your property caused by the build up of snow or ice. Depending on how many levels there are to your home, this is a safe and easy procedure to make sure that everything is cleaned out before those long winter months.
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Replace an old water heater. An old water heater should receive some special attention. Make the necessary steps and schedule an appointment to replace or fix up that old water heater
By following these maintenance tips, you'll be able to save yourself time and money in the long run. When the snow and ice clear in the spring, you'll be happy to see that your property still looks and functions great.
