Protecting Your Pipes from Freezing
When the cold Ohio winter rolls into Canton, Columbus, or Cincinnati, water in your pipes can freeze, expand, and crack your pipelines, causing thousands of dollars in water damage. The good news is that you can stop this from happening with a few easy steps. First, locate your main shut-off valve so you can turn the water off quickly in an emergency. Next, wrap all exposed pipes in your basement, crawlspace, or attic with heavy-duty foam sleeves. You can pick these up cheaply at your local store—check out Home Depot Pipe Insulation options to find the right sizes. Draining your outdoor hose spigots and turning off their indoor valves is another critical safety measure to prevent pressure cracks.
Keeping Your Furnace Running Warm and Safe
Your furnace works incredibly hard during the cold months, and a sudden breakdown is a landlord's worst nightmare. Always change your furnace air filters before the first freeze. A dirty filter blocks airflow, forces your system to work harder, and can even cause it to overheat and shut down completely. Also, make sure to keep all heating vents clear of furniture, boxes, and curtains so warm air can circulate freely. Have a certified HVAC technician inspect the heat exchanger for cracks to ensure carbon monoxide doesn't leak into tenant living spaces. If you want to learn more about how building systems work and how to maintain them properly, visit the official ASHRAE Website for excellent ventilation tips.
Stopping Cold Drafts and Saving Money
Cold air leaking into your building acts like a vacuum on your bank account. Check all window frames and doors for gaps. Applying cheap weatherstripping or silicone caulk is a simple afternoon job that can slash your heating bills by up to 15%. Make sure to install durable door sweeps on all exterior-facing exits. For a great, step-by-step primer on general building prep, read the detailed wikiHow Winterization Guide. Lastly, don't forget to tell your tenants to keep their thermostats set to at least 55°F even when they are away, and keep up to date with extreme weather safety using the OSHA Cold Stress Safety Standards.