As the weather kicks off to cool down, we are made aware that winter is on the way. Some events and tasks come with this change in season, however, one of the most necessary things is preparing your home for winter. Every Pearland rental home needs certain appropriate seasonal maintenance done to be sure you keep being comfortable living there, month after month. And the best time to get ready for a new season is before it arises. Conceding that various winterization tasks are best left to your landlord or a professional, there are certain things you should actually do to help your home be ready for cold temperatures.
Cooling System
When temperatures have gone down far enough that your air conditioner is not going to be needed, it’s the time to winterize it for the season. This can help protect your unit and strengthen how it performs the next time it’s required. Prepping an AC unit for winter is rather simple and worry-free: clean off the condensing unit with a spray of water, let dry, and then cover the unit with a breathable, waterproof cover. If you have window units, ensure to close all vents and, if possible, cover them as well.
Heating System
With winter nearing, it’s significant to fire up your furnace for a test run long before you need it. To attain this, turn it on and note whether it appears to be working properly. Likewise, make sure to replace your air filters, clean and open all heating vents, and check for any obstructions. If you deal with any concerns, call your landlord right away.
Fireplace
If your rental home has a fireplace, you may need to perform certain preparations previous to using it, as well. As an instance, do you know when the last time the chimney was cleaned? If not, ask your landlord and, if need be, request cleaning to be scheduled. This is primarily essential if you think that birds, mice, squirrels, or other animals have made a nest inside. Moreover, remove any flammable objects from around the fireplace opening and make sure to check that the damper is working properly.
Plumbing
Frozen water pipes are one of the big dangers during freezing weather. To actually 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. These manageable steps can help make sure your plumbing continues to function correctly all winter long.
Windows & Doors
Drafts and air leaks can develop to be a huge complication once temperatures drop low. So take a few minutes before that befalls and check your home’s doors and windows for gaps, cracks, and air leaks. The majority of air leaks around doors and windows can be fixed with some caulk or weather stripping. Thus if you see air leaks that don’t have an obvious source, it would be time to call your landlord and have it checked out by a professional.
Yard & Patio
One last point, take into consideration to prepare your yard, patio, or deck for the winter, too. Autumn is a good time to trim back trees and shrubs, clean up fallen leaves, and mow the lawn one last time. Moreover, keep in mind 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 – make sure to keep them nicer longer by taking care of them now!
Although getting your home prepped for winter may take quite a bit of time and effort, it is all worth it once cold temperatures arrive. But if you can’t imagine spending another winter in your current rental home, now is the time to make a move. Check out the available rental listings that Real Property Management Prestige has to offer.
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