The cooling down of the weather is an indication that winter is almost here. With the different events and tasks that come with a change in season, the preparation of your home for winter occurs as well. Seasonal maintenance is essential to any Hallandale Beach rental home so that it stays in good shape throughout the years. The best time to prepare for a new season is before it actually comes. Even though some winterization tasks are best left to your landlord or a professional, there are things that you yourself can do in order to get your home 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 there are any issues you notice, inform your landlord ASAP.
Fireplace
If your rental home has a fireplace, it’s possible that you might need to prepare it before you use it. Like checking if the chimney has been cleaned. 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. Don’t forget to check your home’s doors and windows for gaps, cracks, and air leaks, long before they can even become an issue. Generally, air leaks around doors and windows can be fixed with some caulk or weather stripping. However, if you can’t seem to pinpoint exactly where the air leaks are coming from, you should bring it up with your landlord so it can get checked by a professional.
Yard & Patio
Finally, make sure you don’t neglect your yard, patio, or deck for the winter, too. Autumn is a terrific 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.
Yes, preparing your home for winter can be very intimidating; but, it will be so worth it when the cold temperatures come. 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 United has to offer.
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