Summer Is Right Around the Corner
Time seems to be moving quicker these days and summer will be here before you know it. Now is the time to start preparing your rentals for what summer brings.
HVAC
During the summer months, HVAC systems kick into high gear. Servicing your HVAC will help ensure it runs at its highest efficiency. Summer time is not the time you want ‘preventable’ problems with your HVAC. Be sure to flush out your drain lines, remove any overgrown plants & weeds around the exterior units as well as replacing the filters every 1-3 months (depends on your filter types).
Smoke Detectors
Now is a good time to replace those batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the detectors if they are more than 10 years old.
Appliances
Pull out your appliances and vacuum out the dirt and dust behind them. Be sure to vacuum the refrigerator coils as well.
Ceiling Fans
Most ceiling fans have the option to reverse the direction of the fan motor. During the summer months, you want the fans to be pushing the air down.
Dryer Vents
Don’t overlook your clothes dryer. A dryer vent that is not cleaned can cause clothes from completely drying as well as causing your dryer to run inefficiently. A dryer vent with lint can also be a fire hazard. Be sure to clean the complete dryer vent.
Exterior
If you maintain your rental property’s yard, here are some things to consider:
- Fertilize, seed and weed control your yard – Feed your yard and spread seed where you have thin or bare spots. Keep in mind the best time based on your forecast. You should not put seed/feed down on hard dry ground or if there is no rain in the site (unless you have an irrigation system). Consider ‘plugging’ your yard, wait for some rain to soften the ground and then spread the seed and feed when you know you have some more rain in the forecast.
- Clean gutters – check downspouts for any obstructions. Dirt, leaves, bird nests etc. can clog your downspouts and cause additional damage.
- Turn on and inspect irrigation system – Check for broken sprinkler heads as well as the spray direction and distance of each head. Often, these are altered during the unused months.
- Treat the wasp nests – This time of year, the wasps and yellow jackets are building their nests. Stay ahead of them by treating the nests early.
- Service your mower – Be sure to change your yard equipment’s oil, filters, and plugs. Charge batteries and general overall maintenance.
Take the time of year to inspect and maintain your properties and systems. A little prevention will save you money down the road.
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