Winter is here in Gwinnett! Is your home ready? By following these winter preparation steps, you can lessen the chances of a potential disaster! When temperatures drop around and below freezing for extended periods, it can cause serious damage to your rental home. Luckily in Georgia, we do not get blizzards and extremely low temperatures, however, our winter is still harsh! With that being said, it is crucial to cover all aspects of your home! If you haven’t started these winter preparation steps already, start ASAP! Here are a few of the most important steps to take!
Allow interior faucets to drip
This is the most crucial winter preparation step!!! Water expands when it freezes and can block part, or all the flow of water within the pipe, causing the pressure to increase, which in turn could cause the pipe to burst. Leaving them dripping keeps the flow of movement inside the pipe, to prevent the water from freezing. Sinks that are directly up against an exterior wall are most crucial to leave dripping, as they are most closely exposed to the harsh weather conditions.
Cover all exterior hose spigots
Make sure exterior hoses, pipes, and spigots are covered and left dripping for the coldest winter months. The cold air can get inside the hoses and freeze the water left inside, causing internal damage that cannot be fixed. Hardware stores have spigot covers at low cost, and the insulated design will protect your pipes through the winter.
Keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature
Keep your thermostat at a minimum temperature of 65°. Try not to fluctuate the temperatures too much, so the system doesn’t freeze, or get overworked. Leave the fan on auto; having it constantly on will run the system down and could cause your utility bill to spike drastically.
Check for drafts
Check around doors and windows to ensure no cold air is coming through any cracks. If you feel any type of breeze, invest in draft stoppers to keep the cold air out of your home. There are many different ways to test for drafts, the most efficient is to simply walk around your home and place your hand on the crack of any windowsill or door to feel for cold air.
HVAC Maintenance
Check your HVAC Filters! Failure to regularly replace your air filters can result in a frozen system. The last thing you want during this winter is a failed A/C unit. If the filters aren’t changed in a suitable amount of time they can deteriorate and end up costing you money that you could potentially avoid spending. Not only could it freeze the system, but dust particles in the air also become unable to be filtered, which causes the air in your home to become unsanitary and polluted. Keep your HVAC units clean and serviced regularly to prevent issues in the colder winter months.
Check out how to change your HVAC filter in less than two minutes!
These few winter preparation steps are the most important in keeping your home protected during this cold season. If you haven’t followed these precautions already, you need to act now! We are already a few months into winter, however, the temperatures are starting to severely drop overnight; make sure your home is prepared!
If you are looking to move into Gwinnett County, then contact us today for assistance with property management services and we will help you find the perfect rental home! If you own a home and would like to rent it out in Gwinnett County, then reach out to us and we will be glad to assist you in the process!
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