Furnace Filters
You probably haven't fired up the furnace yet this year or maybe you have. Either way you may not be aware that replacing the furnace filters is the obligation of the tenant and that if the furnace is damaged as result of the filter not being changed then the damages become the responsibility of the tenant. Replacing the filter is the cheaper option. If you aren’t sure what you need to do regarding changing those out please feel free to call us and we can help.
Gutters
Keep an eye on your gutters! Falling leaves and branches can clog your gutters causing over flows, fallen gutters, and ice dams. If it looks like you gutters are full or aren’t draining, let us know and we will come clean them out for you.
Foundation Vent Covers
Some of you will have small crawlspaces under your house/apartment and these should be secured with a screen. During the winter it is important to have Styrofoam blocks in those openings. If your crawlspace is not secured let us know. As for the blocks we have those and will be putting them in but we need you to make sure they stay in.
Hose Bib Styrofoam
The hose bib(s) outside of your unit will need to have a foam cup installed over the faucet to help prevent the freezing of water lines. A frozen water line can burst and cost thousands in damage to the unit and your personal belongings. We will install the foam cups but again, we need you to make sure they stay put!
Pests
The cold weather brings the pests indoors and this year has seen a massive hatching of spiders as well as ant infestations. Small mammals and rodents will also try to get in or under your unit. You do not want this. If you see signs of any type of infestation please let us know ASAP and we will have it professionally handled. Also, Do not leave food outside!
Prepare for bad weather and power outages
We don’t generally get terrible winters but the possibility of power outages and ice are still very real. Prepare accordingly:
Survival Kit - Non-Perishable food items, flashlights/batteries, bottled water, first aid, portable charger for phones and devices.
Car Stuff - Check tires, fluids, chains/cables
Reverse your ceiling fans to push heated air down and increase the efficiency of your heating efforts.
Protect your entryway- Salt, sand, and water are ever-present during the winter months and these substances can wreak havoc on your entryway floors. Scraping and warping flooring can be expensive to repair so put a floor mat down outside and inside your entryway door.
REMEMBER! It's only going to snow once, maybe twice this year so be sure to make the most of it by making a snowball and putting it in your freezer till June so you can take it out and pelt someone in the grape with a frozen withered clump of smelly ice!
