Winter-ready Checklist
Fall is here, which means winter is not far behind. Cooler weather requires us to shift our focus to ensuring our residents are safe and comfortable throughout the cold winter months. Winter comfort begins with fall preparedness.
Service your HVAC system. No one wants a furnace malfunction on a brutally cold day. Checking for issues now ensures your system is ready to perform when it is needed the most.
Clean all gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can become frozen over with ice in the winter, resulting in ice damming that can leading to water leaking into your unit and behind walls. Moisture behind walls can result in harmful mold and mildew.
Winterize any vacant property. If a property is vacant, do not leave water in the pipes. Frozen pipes can burst creating significant water damage and result in costly repairs. A skilled plumber can properly winterize your vacant properties.
Seal any cracks and holes. Critters seeking warmth in the winter can find their way into the tiniest of entry points. Ask your exterminator to perform a comprehensive check for any rodent entry points. Properly caulk and seal any cracks and entry points. Sealing any cracks should also result in heating costs savings.
Check the condition of your roof. A roof in need of repair can result in water damage to the interior of your property. Get your roof checked for any damage that may have occurred throughout the year.
Check your windows. Drafty windows are costly and leave rooms cold and uncomfortable in the winter months. Ensure your windows are properly sealed for maximum comfort of your residents. Leaking windows can result in water damage to the interior of your property and potentially mold and mildew behind drywall. Repair or replace any leaking windows.
Disconnect exterior hoses. Avoid water freezing in hoses or spigots. When the temperatures begin to drop below freezing, remove any hoses and store them until spring.
Check your detectors. With furnaces running full blast, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning increases. Check your batteries in all carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors. Replace all batteries annually.
Update contact information for your service team. Check in with your service providers, if you do not contact them for regular, preventive maintenance, and ensure that the contact information you have on file is correct. Primary contacts change as do phone numbers. Make it a habit to check the list annually or more often to ensure you have the right information in the event of an emergency.
Make winter preparation a fall priority. Your residents will thank you, and you will maintain the value of your investment in the process.