Harsh winter weather is typical in most northern areas. But even states with milder winters can get hit with excessive cold from time to time. As bad weather and climate events continue to increase, Person County rental property owners need to know how to get their rental homes protected for when the next polar vortex strikes.
There are several different procedures 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 successful ways to get ready for an extreme cold weather event is to enlist your tenants to help you. Probably the most effective way to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting (and flooding your rental property!) is to leave the water dripping at all times. Provide clear instruction to your tenants on how to run the taps in your rental house during a cold-weather event.
It is also advisable 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 applying these simple steps, it is generally possible to keep the water on and your rental property free of water damage even during an extreme cold snap.
Medium Projects
If you’ve got the small projects in hand but want to take the next step, there are a few more projects that can have a significant influence on how well your rental property overcomes 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 moment when the furnace is already working overtime to keep things heated. Likewise, your rental home could benefit hugely from more energy-efficient doors. For illustration, simply replacing a hollow-core exterior door for one that is insulated can dramatically improve energy efficiency. In cold temperatures, even small improvements in energy efficiency can have a major influence on your utility bill – not to mention your tenant’s comfort levels.
Large Projects
There are also some large projects that, if possible, will dramatically improve your property’s performance to get your rental house as ready as it can be for extreme cold weather. For example, if you’ve been relying on electric heat, think about switching to natural gas. For the most part, natural gas furnaces are more efficient and easier on the budget than electric ones. Additionally, if the power does go out during a cold-weather event, your rental home will still have heat.
One more large project to consider is to add insulation to your rental property’s attic, walls, or foundation. This is especially important if your rental property is older or has not been updated as insulation standards have changed over the years. It is necessary to inspect your property’s current insulation levels and increase them if low. Various blow-in or spray-in insulation can help improve the structure’s energy efficiency without requiring major demolition or affecting your tenants’ lives.
With projects for every rental property and budget, there are activities you can do to get your rental house ready in the event of a polar vortex. With extreme weather on the rise, the easiest way to be prepared is to start getting your rental house ready long before the cold arrives.
Do you want more tips on getting your rental property ready for the future? Real Property Management Impact can help! Our professional Person County property managers engage with property investors like you to help you maximize the potential of your investment property. To learn more, contact us online or call at 919-439-8989 today!
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
