When you think of “winterizing” your home, try to focus on your residents and their comfort with two priorities.

1. Make changes to lower their energy costs, and
2. Improve their comfort.

1.) Furnace Inspection

Call an HVAC professional to inspect and clean your furnace. A furnace can lose some of its heating efficiency without a cleaning at least every other year. The technician should run a combustion analysis test to show you how well your furnace is running.

Stock up on furnace filters and change them monthly. A dirty filter will clog the air flow and make your furnace work harder which will cost you more money.
Consider switching out your thermostat for a programmable one.

2.) Your Hot Water Tank

Make sure the temperature is not too high—if it is, you’re wasting money. If you have to, mix cold water with the hot water – you can lower the temperature and save money.

Do NOT add a hot water tank wrap to your tank. Most hot water tanks built in the last 15 years don’t need one.

3.) Check the Exterior, Doors and Windows

Inspect the exterior of your home for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes.

If you see any cracks, seal them. A good silicone caulk works best for this.

Use weather-stripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home.

Replace windows with holes in them, and if you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint exposed wood.

If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields. This keeps the leaves, moisture, and weather away from your window so that it does not rot.

Put your storm windows in place.

Add plastic to windows. This adds a layer of air which increases a windows R-value.
Hang thermal curtains in front of your windows.

Pull your chairs or sofas at least 6” away from any windows. Windows tend to be the coldest surfaces in our house and separating ourselves from them can make your home feel much warmer.

4.) Inspect Roof, Gutters and Downspouts

During the winter, if you notice snow melting on your roof while other snowy roofs in the neighborhood are not, air sealing and extra insulation may be the solution.

If your roof is showing signs of deterioration, consider replacing it. Sometimes you can replace a section or one side of the roof if you can’t afford a full replacement.

Clean out the gutters and use a hose to spray water down the downspouts to clear away debris. Water build up will create bigger ice weight on your gutters and pull them down or bend them out of shape.

• Replace furnace filter(s): Changing furnace filters will improve air quality and enhance the efficiency and life of your home heating & cooling systems. Furnace filters should be replaced regularly (at a minimum four times a year and more preferably 6 – 12 times a year). Homes with pets should consider changing filters at least monthly. Make sure you use the proper type of filter for your furnace. The wrong type of filter can limit air flow and possibly even freeze your air conditioning system.
• Inspect for evidence of uninvited guests: Again, not your in-laws! We’re talking about mice, birds, squirrels, insects, etc. Check attic areas and crawlspaces. Look for droppings and possible damage done to wiring, insulation, siding, roofing, etc. Note: They will be looking for a winter safe haven over the next few months – before they settle in, keep an eye out for them.
• Inspect stairs and railings for safety: Give railings a good tug to make sure they’re not loose.
• Clean dishwasher filters
• Replace the batteries in your smoke and CO detectors: The rule of thumb is to replace them when we change our clocks (fall back). Anytime between now and then is probably safe. Also, while you’re on the ladder vacuum the units. Dust build-up on the units can lead to false alarms or possibly prevent them from functioning at all.
• Clear the roof of debris: While you have the ladder out doing the gutters, take the time to clear your roof of any debris and make sure all roof vents are clear also. This is a good time to inspect the roof, flashing and valleys for damage as well. Again, exercise caution.
• Inspect chimneys for uninvited guests, cracks or potential leaks: It’s just one more thing to do while you have the ladder out.
• Clean the dryer vent and ducting of lint: This is not an easy task – it could require some specialized tools. It is one of the most common causes of house fires.
• Replace any and all water filtration filters: You could have a whole house system, a single sink system and/or filters for your refrigerators/icemakers. It’s time to change the filters and reset any alarms.
• Replace batteries in your thermostats: These guys go dead also. You’ll be embarrassed (and a bit poorer) when you call a heating guy out because you’re cold and all you needed was a new battery in the thermostat.
• Inspect door weather stripping and replace as necessary: If you see daylight – it’s not good! This was also on the summer list – check again!

1. Extend the life of you patio furniture by storing it or covering it for the winter.
2. Don’t let your hose spigots freeze. We’ll watch the weather and try to send an alert out when it is a must to disconnect your hoses.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No…not Christmas…Spring! With the green grass and sweet, colorful flowers comes the reminder of our Spring Cleaning chore list. It is very important that with each season we take care of general maintenance on the inside and outside of your home to maintain the value of your great asset.

In order to maintain your property and avoid deferred maintenance, VPM recommends the following preventative items:

OUTSIDE MAINTENANCE:

1. Check all weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors.
2. Check exterior for cracked or peeled paint; caulk and repaint as necessary.
3. Remove, clean, and store storm windows (if removable type).
4. Check all door and window screens, patch or replace as needed.

INSIDE MAINTENANCE:

1. Replace filters on air conditioners.
2. Check and clean dryer vent, stove hood, and room fans; change or clean filters on furnace.
3. Check seals on refrigerator and freezer, clean refrigerator coils, clean burner surfaces, adjust burners.
4. Clean fireplace; leave damper open for improved ventilation if home is not air conditioned.
5. Check basement walls and floors for dampness; if too moist, remedy as appropriate.
6. Clean dehumidifier according to manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Check for leaky faucets; replace washers as necessary.
8. Check attic for proper ventilation; open vents.
9. Clean drapes and blinds; repair as needed.

As a VPM customer, we have negotiated a volume discount of half off spring inspections from a licensed contractor. Our negotiated price is only $50 and an itemized list of any recommended repairs and any related bids will be clearly identified.

To schedule your Spring Inspection please submit a work order request through your on-line owners portal at www.propertyware.com or contact Christy Ikner at christy@vrespm.com.