The weather is starting to tell us that winter is coming! Though there are different events and tasks that come with the change in a season, one change is that of preparing your home for winter. Seasonal maintenance is essential to any Cumming 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. While some winterization tasks are best left to your landlord or a professional, you can accomplish a few objectives to ensure that your home is 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. Do this and you essentially protect and improve your unit, making sure it maintains its performance. 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. Turn the furnace on and inspect if everything is working properly. Also, be sure to replace your air filters, clean and open all heating vents, and check for any obstructions. Should any issues arise, make sure to call your landlord right away.
Fireplace
If your rental home has a fireplace, prepare it for use before you actually use it. Something you can do is to check if your chimney has already been cleaned. If the chimney is not cleaned, then inform your landlord so that you can request a cleaning to be scheduled. This is even more important if you think 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
When the weather is freezing, it’s very common to encounter frozen water pipes. 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. These can really help you make certain that your plumbing continues to function well all winter long.
Windows & Doors
Drafts and air leaks might prove to be a problem when the temperatures drop low. Before that even happens, check your home’s doors and windows for gaps, cracks, and air leaks. Typically, 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, your yard, patio, or deck needs to be prepared for winter, too. Autumn is an excellent 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 – preserve their condition by taking good care of them.
Getting your home ready for the winter can often be very grueling. But, when the cold temperatures come, you will be glad you got it done. 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 North Point has to offer.
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