Maintaining Your Property in the Winter
1. Check Heating System
It is advised to have your furnace annually checked by professional HVAC technicians, especially before winter begins. There is nothing more frustrating than being surprised by a faulty furnace in the dead of winter. Professionals will not only check safety but will “tune up” and perform preventative maintenance to make sure you don’t end up with problems during the coldest days of the year.
Technicians will typically check for blockages and leaks in vents, wiring inside the equipment, and burners or heat exchangers.
2. Fireplace Inspection
Fireplaces can pose many problems for property owners as buildup inside the chimney can cause dangerous obstructions that lead to houses full of smoke and carbon monoxide. The last thing you want on a cold night is to cozy up to a smoky fireplace.
Schedule a chimney sweep ahead of time to knock down any soot or buildup, as a properly functioning fireplace needs plenty of room to breathe.
3. Clean Out Gutters
One of the easiest ways to keep your property in tip-top shape is to make sure your gutters are free of leaves and other debris. As fall turns into winter, it may be tough to brave the cold or get on a ladder, but clean gutters keep rainwater from filling up too much.
When your gutters are too full the water will not be directed properly through the guttering system and can cause flooding around the exterior of your house, which can cause siding and foundation damage.
4. Prevent Pipes from Freezing
Frozen pipes are never a good thing, as frozen water can create cracks that allow water to leak out and fill your house. One of the easiest ways to prevent frozen pipes is by insulating your pipes through unheated areas of your home such as crawl spaces and attics. Also, drain and shut off any outdoor faucets before cold weather strikes.
5. Insulate Water Heater
One way to save money on your electric bill this winter is to insulate your water heater with a water heater blanket. Water heaters typically store anywhere from 40 to 60 gallons of water, heating and resting as the water cools.
Water heater blankets insulate the tank, which holds heat longer and keeps the machine from running as often, lowering your energy costs.
6. Bleed Radiators
For radiators to run efficiently and at full capacity, radiators will need to be bled each winter. This is a simple DIY process that forces air trapped inside your radiators out so that they can run exactly as intended.
It is as simple as turning off the heating units and opening the radiator bleed valve. Once the radiator is done hissing, close the valve and check the boiler pressure. If your pressure is correct, you are good to go
7. Seal Leaky Doors and Windows
Drafty doors and windows can make for a long, cold, EXPENSIVE, winter. One of the best ways to save money on heating is by sealing your doors and windows.
If you have older windows and doors you can replace or add new weather stripping to stop cold air from coming into the house. If there are gaps in the door frame, caulk them with exterior caulk.
8. Check Window Wells
Window wells are a great way to keep soil and moisture away, while also allowing natural light and fresh air into a basement. However if they are not properly maintained, they can endanger your foundation.
During the winter season, it is a must to keep window wells clear of debris, snow, and ice. To help prevent flooding, inspect the liner and replace or repair any that are pulling away.
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from a hard winter when undertaking winter house maintenance. You can keep the cold and rain outside by weatherproofing your home, inspecting it regularly, and by doing preventive maintenance.
As with any property, choosing the right property management company can help maximize profits, while helping maintain a positive relationship between landlords and renters. Asheville Phoenix Properties has over twenty years of real estate management under its belt, helping owners and tenants manage every aspect of rental property ownership from advertising to managing service calls
If you would like to spend less time worrying about day-to-day preventative maintenance and handling service calls, contact Asheville Phoenix Properties today. Our team will get to work finding renters and making sure that your property is well maintained and protected.