Winter-Proof Investment Property

When it comes to condos, there is little work to do in terms of preparing for winter. If your investment property is a house however, the winter season typically presents an array of issues including (but far from limited to) drafts, energy efficiency and furnace repairs. Luckily, there are a number of ways to combat the cold and winter-proof your rental home!

Reduce Drafts

Loose fitting doors and windows can contribute a great deal to heat loss. In order to prevent heat loss, weather stripping should be fixed around the edges of doors and windows to ensure that they are properly sealed.

Regularly Maintain Heating Equipment 

Regardless of the type of heating or cooling system you own, there are a few ways to ensure proper maintenance of heating equipment.

Many home owners neglect cleaning their furnace, however the number one enemy of your furnace is in fact, dirt! Dirt affects all three major parts of your furnace: the blower, motor and filter system.   Your filter should be replaced or cleaned every season and ideally once a month during periods of frequent use.

How to check your filter:

Hold the filter up to the light.  If it looks clogged clean or replace it for maximum efficiency with the accurate size (indicated on the side of the frame), regardless of how long you’ve  been using it.

The blower assembly also must be cleaned regularly. If your furnace features a squirrel-cage  can, its blower has a greater chance of becoming clogged. You can access the blower by removing the panel covering the filter for regular cleaning and maintenance.

Water Meter and Pipe Protection

Pipes and meters are prone to freezing in unheated areas. Freezing can be combated by ensuring that surrounding areas are sufficiently insulated. Be sure to also make sure that water to outdoor facets is turned off, water hoses are removed, and pipes have been fully drained.

If meters and pipes do freeze over…

Safety precautions should be taken when attempting to thaw meters and pipes. A flame can potentially start a fire or ignite a steam explosion- flames should not be used as a means of  thawing meters and pipes. Instead, open a facet near the area that is frozen. This will facilitate the release of vapours from melting ice.

Control Water & Snow Accumulation

The accumulation of water and snow on rooftops can not only lead to a leak and the costly water damage that follows, but can also heavily affect the structural integrity of a home. It is important to remove snow from roofs and drains as regularly as possible to avoid costly long-term damages.

Check Attic Insulation

Just as the majority of body heat escapes from the top of your head, heat in your home escapes through the roof.  It is wise to ensure that attic insulation is at least six inches thick to prevent heat loss.

Follow these useful tips to maintaining your investment property throughout winter.

Have a suggestion? Email info@performancepropertymanagement.ca and we will be sure to include it in our next post!