Energy Efficient Fall

Maintenance Tips

By Katrina McDowell on Sep 19, 2024 in Energy, News

Regular maintenance in the fall can save property owners significant money and stress down the line. Here are five things to do to prevent minor problems from becoming major this season and beyond.

HVAC Tune-up Preparing the HVAC system for the colder months is essential to keeping the property comfortable and energy efficient. Change air filters regularly to improve air quality and system efficiency. Clean out air ducts to ensure proper airflow. Have maintenance inspections for thermostats and upgrade to a smart programmable thermostat for better energy control during the winter. With the changing season, send email reminders to residents to keep up with the air filter changes with a quick maintenance request in their resident portal. These steps prevent potential breakdowns and improve energy efficiency, lowering utility costs and making the property more appealing to energy-conscious consumers.

Roof & Gutters The roof is the first line of defense against winter weather, making fall the perfect time for any necessary maintenance. Inspect for loose or missing shingles to prevent leaks. Check chimneys, vents, and skylights to ensure the flashing is sealed correctly and free of cracks. Gutters are crucial in safeguarding the property’s foundation and roof. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, damaging the siding and foundation. It’s essential to clean out leaves, sticks and debris that may accumulate during the fall. Check downspouts to ensure water is being directed away from the foundation. Inspect for any gutter damage such as cracks, sagging or leaks and have maintenance repair them promptly. Regular gutter maintenance during the fall can prevent costly water damage, foundation erosion and ice dams in the winter.

Weatherproofing Weatherproofing a property is not just a comfort issue. It’s also about saving on energy costs. Improve energy efficiency when a resident moves out and before the new one moves in, and inspect and seal windows and doors with caulk to prevent cold drafts. Install weather stripping to doors and windows to further block drafts and enhance insulation.

Improving and upgrading the property’s energy efficiency this fall can make the property more attractive to prospects. Install energy-efficient windows to improve insulation and reduce drafts. Switch to energy-efficient lighting and use LED bulbs, which use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs.

Protect the Pipes Fall plumbing maintenance is essential and can prevent freezing pipes and costly water damage during the winter. Be sure to remind residents when hard freezes will be coming and place signage around the building to drip faucets and open cabinets that pipes are in. Maintenance should insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like parking garages, to prevent them from freezing and then busting once defrosting. Check for leaks and repair them immediately to avoid bursts under pressure. Test water heaters while inspecting the HVAC system to ensure they function correctly and adjust the temperature for winter. Taking these precautions will prevent plumbing disasters and maintain the property’s value.

Boost Curb Appeal Fall is the perfect time to spruce up the property’s exterior to maximize curb appeal and attract more potential residents. Be sure maintenance is raking and clearing leaves to maintain a tidy and inviting space. Trim bushes and trees, especially near the property, to reduce the risk of branches falling during storms and improve the property’s appearance. Add seasonal plants like mums and pansies for color and vibrancy. And don’t forget a few pumpkins! Pressure wash walkways to remove dirt and grime. These efforts make a positive first impression and can subtly increase the property’s perceived value.

Aside from getting a PSL, share your go-to fall maintenance tips with The Balance Sheet community!