As the weather starts to cool down, we are being made aware that winter is on the way. A majority of events and tasks come with this change in season, but certainly one of the most essential is preparing your home for winter. Every Dana Point rental home needs a few appropriate seasonal maintenances to make certain you remain comfortable living there, month after month. And the right moment to gear up for a new season is before it occurs. Though particular winterization tasks are best left to your landlord or a professional, there are several things you should prioritize to help your home be ready for cold temperatures.
Cooling System
By the time temperatures have lowered enough that your air conditioner is certainly not needed, it’s that point in time to winterize it for the season. This can help protect your unit and enhance how it performs the next time it’s needed. Prepping an AC unit for winter is uncomplicated: 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, make certain to close all vents and, if possible, cover them as well.
Heating System
With winter impending, it’s relevant to fire up your furnace for a test run long before you need it. To achieve this, turn it on and note whether it actually is working properly. Additionally, make sure to replace your air filters, clean and open all heating vents, and check for any obstructions. If you face any complications, call your landlord right away.
Fireplace
If your rental home has a fireplace, you may need to complete a few preparations just before using it. As an illustration, do you know when the last time the chimney was cleaned? If not, inquire with your landlord and, if necessitated, request cleaning to be scheduled. This is mainly vital if you presume that birds, mice, squirrels, or other animals have made a nest inside. Therefore, remove any flammable objects from around the fireplace opening and check carefully that the damper is working properly.
Plumbing
Frozen water pipes are one of the big dangers during freezing weather. To sustain and 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 simple, worry-free steps can help see to it your plumbing continues to function correctly all winter long.
Windows & Doors
Drafts and air leaks can develop to be major trouble each time temperatures drop low. So a few weeks before that takes place, check your home’s doors and windows for gaps, cracks, and air leaks. Several air leaks around doors and windows can be fixed with some caulk or weather stripping. Moreover, if you observe air leaks that don’t have an obvious source, it definitely will be time to call your landlord and have it checked out by a professional.
Yard & Patio
One final note, remember to prepare your yard, patio, or deck for the winter, too. Autumn is an excellent time to trim back trees and shrubs, clean up fallen leaves, and mow the lawn one last time. Still, call to 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 – always keep them nicer longer by taking care of them now!
Notwithstanding that getting your home geared up for winter may take a bit more 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 Agile has to offer.
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