Harsh winter weather is expected across several northern areas. But even states with milder winters can get hit with freezing cold from time to time. As severe weather and climate events continue to increase, Pleasanton rental property owners need to know how to get their rental homes prepared for when the next polar vortex strikes.
There are numerous methods 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 simplest ways to get ready for an extreme cold weather event is to enlist your tenants to help you. One of the most effective ways 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 specific guidelines on how to run the taps in your rental house during a cold-weather event.
Also, it is important to teach 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. Finally, protect hose bibs and other exposed plumbing by covering them with insulation or pipe wraps. By taking these small steps, it is often possible to keep the water on and your rental property free of water damage even through an intense cold snap.
Medium Projects
If you’ve got the small projects in hand but want to take the next step, there are a lot of other projects that can play a great role in how well your rental property survives the following 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 make everything warm. Similarly, your rental home may profit tremendously from more energy-efficient doors. For instance, simply replacing a hollow-core exterior door for one that is insulated can dramatically improve energy efficiency. In cold temperatures, even slight improvements in energy efficiency can make a significant result in your utility bill – not including your tenant’s comfort levels.
Large Projects
There are also a few large projects that, if possible, will dramatically improve your property’s performance and get your rental house as equipped as it can be for extreme cold weather. For example, if you’ve been using electric heat, try switching to natural gas. In general, natural gas furnaces are more efficient and easier on the budget than electric ones. What is more, if the power does go out during a cold-weather event, your rental home will still have heat.
One more large project to take into account is to add insulation to your rental property’s attic, walls, or foundation. This might be particularly significant if your rental property is older or has never been updated since insulation standards have evolved over the years. It’s essential to inspect your property’s current insulation levels and increase them if low. Countless kinds of blow-in or spray-in insulation can help improve the structure’s energy efficiency without requiring major demolition or compromising of your tenants’ lives.
With projects for every rental property and budget, there are options you can do to get your rental house ready in the event of a polar vortex. With extreme weather on the rise, the ideal way to be prepared is to start getting your rental house ready long before the cold arrives.
Do you want further tips on getting your rental property ready for the future? Real Property Management One can help! Our professional Pleasanton property managers work with property investors like you to help you maximize the potential of your investment property. To learn more, contact us online or call at 925-495-4953 today!
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