5 Essential Fall Maintenance Tips for your Rental
Download our FULL Property Winterization Checklist Below ⬇
When temperatures start to drop, it’s time to prep your property for the upcoming winter months. Follow these simple steps, to make sure you have a safe and warm winter season.
FURNACE
During the cold winters in Calgary and the rest of Alberta, your furnace is absolutely essential. This is the perfect time to call a contractor to service your furnace and clean the ducts, to ensure it’s running properly. Next, make sure you set yourself a reminder to change the furnace filter every 2-3 months. If you’ve got a pet, make sure to do it even more often. A clogged filter can add significantly to your monthly gas bill and can also burnout the motor. Furnace filters are available from any store, which stocks hardware items. If you are having problems with your thermostat check the battery, it may need to be replaced. Make sure your thermostat is set above 17C.
OUTSIDE WATER TAPS:
To avoid burst pipes for your outside water taps, you should shut off and drain the taps from the inside of your home. Most water shut off valves can be found inside the home, close to the outside taps. Once the valves are closed open the outside tap handle lightly to release any additional water. Leave this outside tap open for the winter. If you have an underground sprinkler system, hire a professional to do a blowout.
EAVES TROUGHS:
After most of the trees have shed their leaves, check eaves troughs for leaves and ensure they are cleaned out and the downspouts are clear and not clogged. Also ensure they are properly attached and drain well away from the foundation. Clogged gutters can lead to a build up of ice, which can cause cracks in the roof and water damage.
FIREPLACES:
Fireplaces can build up creosote, which can cause blockages in your chimney, resulting in deadly carbon monoxide coming back into the house. If you use your fireplace frequently, you should have your chimney cleaned every year.
SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL:
City by-laws state that you must remove snow and ice from both your private sidewalks and the public sidewalks bordering your property, within 24 hours of a snowfall. Failure to do so could make you personally liable for any accident. If you do not clean your sidewalk the City has the right to do so and you will be assessed the cost of doing so (usually $150.00). If you’re unable to remove snow yourself, this is the perfect time to search for a contractor that can handle snow removal for you over the upcoming winter months.
Download a copy of our FREE Property Winterization Checklist!
About Power Properties Ltd.
Founded in 1980, Power Properties has been providing hassle-free property management services to property owners, property investors and non-residents with homes in Calgary, Alberta for over 40 years. Our full-service property management includes everything from move in to move out, so you don’t have to worry about the day-to-day operations of your rental property. With a team of licensed professionals, years of experience, and award-winning service, you can rest assured that your property is in good hands.
