3 Ways to Winterize Your Rental Home 

As winter weather begins to set in, preparing your leased home for seasonal changes is essential to keeping it comfortable and safe. Getting the house ready for cold-weather events like falling leaves, precipitation and freezing temperatures helps ensure a warm, cozy living environment while avoiding potential damage and excessive energy usage. Here are three key areas to focus on as temperatures begin to drop. 

Before winter weather hits, it’s a great idea to ensure your heating system is in good working order so that it’s ready when you need it most. Begin by setting your thermostat to a few degrees higher than the current room temperature to check if the heater responds. If it doesn’t turn on, you might need to replace the thermostat batteries or check for any tripped circuit breakers. 

When your system does turn on and begins to generate heat, it’s common for a heater that hasn’t been used in months to emit a musty or burnt odor when first used. This smell usually comes from dust that has settled on the heating elements or heat exchanger over the warmer months. To burn off this dust, open a few windows for ventilation and let the heater run for 15-30 minutes. This process should eliminate most of the accumulated dust and prevent that unpleasant smell from lingering throughout your home. 

If the smell persists or you notice any unusual noises, consult your property manager to have any concerns resolved. If you’re a Progress resident, let us know about any issues by placing a service request online.

Rain gutters play an important part in your home’s drainage system, but if they malfunction, it can lead to troublesome water damage. As leaves fall and debris accumulates, gutters may become clogged, leading to overflow and potential damage to the roof, siding and foundation of your home. Be on the lookout for any signs of damage such as cracks, rust, or loose brackets and address these issues before the rainy season arrives. 

Take the time to clean out your gutters early in the season and be sure to continue to monitor them as the leaves continue to fall. If you’re renting your home, it could be your responsibility to keep the gutters clear. When leasing a two-story home, however, you may be asked to leave this job to your property manager; At Progress, we ask residents to allow us to take care of anything above eight feet. Get in touch with your property manager to be sure what falls under your home maintenance responsibilities. Progress residents can visit our Home Care & Maintenance page for more information about our responsibilities and yours. 

Frozen pipes are one of the most common winter weather problems. When water in a pipe freezes, it expands, which can cause the pipe to burst, leading to extensive water damage and expensive repairs. To prevent this, prepare both indoor and outdoor plumbing for freezing temperatures. 

Here are a few tips to help:  

• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated places such as the basement or garage with foam covers or wrap them in heat tape to prevent freezing.  

• Drain and shut off outdoor water lines, including hoses and sprinkler systems, to avoid burst pipes.  

• For added protection, cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers.  

• Know where your main water shut-off valve is in case of a burst pipe emergency.  

• On extremely cold nights, leave cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes, and consider letting faucets drip slightly to keep water moving through the pipes. 

These steps can help your pipes and faucets remain intact during winter, preventing damage to your home and belongings. 

By preparing your heater, rain gutters and plumbing your home can be more comfortable and secure throughout the colder months. Stay ahead of the season, and enjoy a cozy, worry-free winter in your home by making these preparations early.