Harsh winter weather is typical in numerous northern areas. But even states with milder winters can get hit with excessive cold from time to time. As serious weather and climate events continue to increase, Beaverton rental property owners need to know how to get their rental homes safe when the next polar vortex strikes.
There is a wide range of ways 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 least demanding ways to get ready for an extreme cold weather event is to enlist your tenants to help you. Perhaps the important thing 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 clear guidelines on how to run the taps in your rental house during a cold-weather event.
Additionally, it is vital to show your resident where the main water shut-off valve is located and how to operate it. In the case of a water leak, you can avoid massive damage by getting the water turned off sooner rather than later. Lastly, protect hose bibs and other exposed plumbing by covering them with insulation or pipe wraps. By utilizing these simple steps, it is often possible to keep the water on and your rental property free of water damage even through 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 couple of extra projects that can have a major effect on how well your rental property weathers 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 keep things relaxed. Also, your rental home may significantly profit 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 little improvements in energy efficiency can have a major effect on your utility bill – not to mention 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 ready as it can be for extreme cold weather. For example, if you’ve been relying on electric heat, consider switching to natural gas. In most cases, natural gas furnaces are more efficient and easier on the budget than electric ones. Plus, if the power does go out during a cold-weather event, your rental home will still have heat.
Another large project to try 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 altered over the years. It’s a smart thought to inspect your property’s current insulation levels and increase them if low. Numerous sorts of blow-in or spray-in insulation can help improve the structure’s energy efficiency without requiring major demolition or disturbing of your tenants’ lives.
With projects for every rental property and budget, there are things you can do to get your rental house ready in the event of a polar vortex. With extreme weather on the rise, the ideal method to be prepared is to start getting your rental house ready long before the cold arrives.
Would you want more tips on getting your rental property ready for the future? Real Property Management Assurance can help! Our professional Beaverton 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 971-270-2600 today!
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