Winterization For Park City Property Management
Working in Park City property management I get a front row seat to watch the change of seasons. I have always felt very connected to nature and the rhythms of the seasons. I truly enjoy seeing the slow change from summer to fall to spring and back to summer. I appreciate the beauty and unique features of each season and I enjoy the various activities that become available with the turn of each month. When you feel that first chill in the air and the smell and dried leaves you know that fall has arrived. And while winter may still be a little ways away it is time to start thinking about what you need to do to winterize your Park City long term rentals. Let's take a look at some of the basics that will get your properties ready for winter.
Heating And Cooling Systems
In my experience HVAC companies are really busy at two different times during the year: the first hot week of summer and the first cold week of fall. The reason for this is that people wait until it gets hot to turn on their air conditioning or cold to turn on their heater. Rather than wait until it is needed you should fire up your heater before it gets cold. This is a great time to do a visual inspection of the unit, replace the air filter and even do some vacuuming around the flame sensors to make sure everything is clean and running smoothly. If you find the unit won't turn on these flame sensors are the first thing to check. Push the small button on each sensor to make sure they are reset and save you having to call an HVAC company. If you have a hydronic system with pumps and a heat exchanger you should make sure there is no air in the lines and the pumps are functioning properly. Heating systems work hard during the cold winter months and the last thing you want in Park City property management is a tenant without heat when the temperature gets below freezing. If there is a window mounted air conditioning unit or swamp cooler it is time to shut them down and clean them up. Any water lines running to these units should be drained and disconnected.
Plumbing
Make sure that any external hose bibs have been disconnected from any hoses. My plumber likes to joke that hose bibs that haven't been disconnected are what keeps him in business. I've heard too many stories of people not doing this and either getting a leak in the winter or finding a problem in the spring. If you have any plumbing lines that are not in a heated area make sure they are properly insulated. If the property will be vacant of any amount of time in the winter make sure the gas or the thermostat doesn't get turned off and or too low. If there are sprinkler lines in your Park City long term rentals make sure the main valve is turned off and have them blown out if possible. A little preventative work in the fall can save a lot of problems, headaches and money come spring time in Park City property management.
Additional Items
If you rent a home make sure the leaves get cleaned up. Check all the rain gutters to make sure they are clear of leaves and dirt as well. If you have heat tape on your roof or gutters make sure it is turned on and functioning properly. Any trees on the property should be cut back from the home to protect against damage from wind or snow loads. These simple steps will help protect your Park City property management investment.
If you would like more information on the winterization, or further information about Park City property management in general click the link below for a free consultation. You will receive valuable information specific to your property that will help you make an informed decision. You will also receive a free, no-obligation quote on our property management services. At CC Realty we specialize in making investment property ownership a trouble free experience. Please contact us today for your free consultation.
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