Harsh winter weather is usual in various northern areas. But even states with milder winters can get hit with severe cold from time to time. As bad weather and climate events continue to increase, Georgetown rental property owners need to know how to get their rental homes ready for when the next polar vortex strikes.
There are multiple different options to prepare a rental house for extreme cold. From small projects to the bigger renovations, in this article, we’ll take a look at cost-effective ways to get your rental home ready to withstand anything Mother Nature may bring.
Small Projects
One of the easiest ways to get ready for an extreme cold weather event is to enlist your tenants to help you. One of the most important things you can do to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting (and flooding your rental property!) is to leave the water dripping at all times. Give your tenants clear instructions on how to run the taps in your rental house during a cold-weather event.
It is also crucial to inform your resident where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to operate it. In the event of a water leak, you can avoid massive damage by getting the water turned off sooner rather than later. At last, protect hose bibs and other exposed plumbing by covering them with insulation or pipe wraps. By performing these basic steps, it is always possible to keep the water on and your rental property free of water damage even through a strong cold snap.
Medium Projects
If you’ve got the small projects in hand but want to take the next step, there are a few other projects that can make a huge impact on how well your rental property will endure the next cold weather event. If your rental house doesn’t already have them, consider installing double-pane windows.
Not only are double-pane windows more energy-efficient, but they will also help prevent extreme cold air from leaking into the house at a time when the furnace is already working overtime to keep things heated. Besides that, more energy-efficient doors in your rental home could save you a lot of money. For example, simply replacing a hollow-core exterior door for one that is insulated can dramatically improve energy efficiency. In cold temperatures, even tiny improvements in energy efficiency can greatly impact your utility bill – not counting your tenant’s comfort levels.
Large Projects
To get your rental house as ready as it can be for extreme cold weather, there are also a couple of large projects that, if possible, will dramatically improve your property’s performance. As an illustration, if you’ve been utilizing electric heat, suggest switching to natural gas. Usually, natural gas furnaces are more efficient and easier on the budget than electric ones. Also, if the power does go out during a cold-weather event, your rental home will still have heat.
Another large project to think about is to add insulation to your rental property’s attic, walls, or foundation. This may be extremely helpful if your rental property is older or hasn’t yet been updated as insulation standards have transformed over the years. It is better to inspect your property’s current insulation levels and increase them if low. Many types of blow-in or spray-in insulation can help improve the structure’s energy efficiency without requiring major demolition or disrupting your tenants’ lives.
With projects for every rental property and budget, there are measures you can do to get your rental house ready in the event of a polar vortex. With extreme weather on the rise, the correct method to be prepared is to start getting your rental house ready long before the cold arrives.
Do you need more tips on getting your rental property ready for the future? Real Property Management All Connect can help! Our professional Georgetown property managers cooperate with property investors like you to help you maximize the potential of your investment property. To learn more, contact us online or call at 512-806-0606 today!
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