Winterize Your Investment Property

If you own an investment property, you'll want to make sure it's just as prepared as your current residence for the colder weather ahead. While we don't tend to get a ton of snow here in Kitsap County, WA, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Winterize your property to prevent costly damage. Nobody wants to deal with burst pipes, roof leaks, and HVAC failures. Your proactive efforts will also preserve the long-term value of your investment property. Here are some steps you can take.

Winterize by Addressing Any Exterior Cracks Now

If your property has any poorly sealed doors or windows, cold air can easily get in.  As a result, your home may not be as energy efficient. By simply sealing any leaks with weatherstripping or caulking, you can increase your property's energy savings by 5% to 30%. 

Now is also a good time to inspect your property's exterior for any other cracks. Pests, weather exposure, and seasonal wear can create damage. These small cracks often go unnoticed until they turn into costly repairs. So, walk the perimeter of your property. When you check the doors and windows as noted above, also examine the garage, vents, and the foundation. If you spot cracks, gaps, or signs of animal intrusion, patch them and then address the root cause immediately.

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

If you want to save you and your tenant money this winter, invest in a smart thermostat. They can sense when someone is home and will adjust the temperature as needed. This reduces energy costs, and they often offer remote control capabilities through your smartphone. This is especially handy if your property is vacant, but then you suddenly have a showing. You can easily adjust the thermostat without having to visit the property. 

Check the HVAC and the Pipes

As a landlord or rental property owner, you're generally responsible for major tasks like servicing the HVAC system and insulating pipes. Having a technician check your HVAC before peak demand can improve its performance and reduce the risk of breakdown. This is not only vital to keeping your investment property in good working order, but it's a crucial component of maintaining your home while you or your tenants are away. If your HVAC suddenly breaks down during winter, it could cause water lines to freeze, pipes to burst, and flooding in the house.

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety states that burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage in winter. While frozen pipes typically occur when it's below 20° F, this can still happen above that temperature. This is especially true if you have uninsulated pipes that run through an uninsulated space. So, be sure to let cold water drip from a faucet connected to exposed pipes, insulate pipes, and add insulation to crawl spaces, attics, and basements to maintain higher temperatures in those spaces.

Examine Your Property's Gutters, Roof, and Any Nearby Trees

To ensure your gutters are properly draining water away from your investment property, clear them of any leaves, pinecones, and other debris. Your downspouts should be pointing away from your home’s foundation, so make sure they are.

Next, examine your roof. Check for any cracked or missing shingles. If you notice any areas that need repair, act quickly.  You don't want to leave your roof vulnerable to leaks during a winter storm.

If there are any nearby trees that don't look too sturdy or healthy, have them examined by a professional. If you notice any tree limbs that could potentially cause damage during a storm, prune them now. Even doing this work on a cold, rainy day beats dealing with the damage this could cause if you put it off.

Thorougly Clean the Fireplace and Chimney

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), from 2019 to 2023, house fires involving fireplaces or chimneys made up one in ten fires caused by heating equipment, yet caused 27% of the direct property damage. And, 46% of the heating equipment fires occurred in December through February. So, when we recommend cleaning or inspecting your chimney and fireplace, we don't do so lightly.  It's also no fun dealing with critters who may be using your neglected chimney or struggling with debris that might be blocking it. If you have a gas fireplace, hire a professional to inspect gas lines and vents.

Hire Local Experts for Peace of Mind

If you dread home maintenance tasks like those listed above or are no longer able to do them with ease, hire local professionals who can winterize your investment property for you. Here at Windermere Property Management, we have a local team of experts for all property management needs. We only use licensed and bonded contractors. Additionally, our property managers inspect properties at least every six months, coordinating routine maintenance and collecting estimates when needed. All electronic work orders and communication with vendors are tracked through Appfolio, so you know we're resolving issues quickly, and you're given real-time updates.