As the weather begins to shift towards the cold, winter is surely on its way. A change in season means a change in different events and tasks. However, it also means the preparation of your home for winter. Seasonal maintenance is something that will always be a part of every Saint Peters rental home; especially if you want to make sure the living conditions are always good. Get ready for the new season by preparing for it before it even arrives. While some winterization tasks are best left to your landlord or a professional, you can do things to prepare your home to be 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. Doing this will protect your unit and improve its performance for when you next need it. 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. For those window units, ensure the closing of vents. If possible, cover them, too.
Heating System
With winter approaching, it’s important to fire up your furnace for a test run long before you need it. Simply turn it on so that you can check if it’s still in good working condition. 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 best to prepare it prior to 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. If you think that birds, mice, squirrels, or other animals have made a nest inside, this should be looked into asap. Then, remove any flammable objects from around the fireplace opening and check that the damper is working properly.
Plumbing
Frozen water pipes are very common dangers 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
Drafts and air leaks are common problems to face when the temperatures drop low. So that you can avoid these problems during winter, check your home’s doors and windows for gaps, cracks, and air leaks. A lot of air leaks around doors and windows can be fixed with some caulk or weather stripping. But if the air leaks don’t have a clear source, it might be time to contact your landlord to have it looked at by a professional.
Yard & Patio
Lastly, don’t overlook preparing 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 – make sure you take care of them so that they don’t wear out fast.
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. But if you don’t want to put yourself through another winter in your current rental home, then moving might be a good idea. Check out the available rental listings that Real Property Management Endeavor 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.
