Posted by By Caitlin Meehan, Director of Client Care for Home Rental Services.
It is getting to be that time of the year, temperatures drop and leaves start falling. We’d like to remind you of a few things that can save you money, time and headaches:
Disconnect water hoses from exterior faucets:
If you leave the hoses connected to your water spigots, you run the risk of them freezing which can break the supply line. The simple fix is to simply disconnect the hoses. We recommend that you store the hoses in your garage to help them last longer!
- Install a clean furnace filter:
Per your Lease agreement, this is to be changed at least once a quarter. If you have a window air conditioning unit, remove from the window or place a waterproof cover over it to prevent damage during the winter. Don’t forget filters in stove vents, and clothes dryers. (Clean air filters will keep your family healthier in the fall months and keep your heating costs down!)
- Check the smoke detectors:
Replace any batteries as needed. There should be one working smoke detector per floor in your house. Please let us know if there is not or if you have a detector that is not working because of something other than a dead battery. We want you to be safe!
- Sprinkler systems:
Please inform us immediately if you have a sprinkler system that has not yet been winterized or scheduled for winterization.
- Examine your gutters and downspouts for debris:
While standing on the ground look at your gutters and downspouts for built up leaves and debris. Also, check downspouts for damage or loose pieces.
Remove leaves from the grass and flower beds:
It is very important to remove leaves from the grass and flower beds as they begin to fall, before the ice and snow come. If you don’t pick up the leaves, there is a good chance they’ll kill the grass and landscaping which is expensive to repair.
- When that dreaded ice and snow do get here please do NOT apply any chemicals or salts to the driveway or sidewalk of the property that will cause damage to the concrete. Read and follow labels carefully before applying.
- Consider having some extra food, water and blankets on hand in case ice and snow take out your electricity.
We want to help ensure you do not face any emergencies related to the weather at the home, so consider taking the time to complete the above items. We hope your fall is off to a great start!
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