Winter Weather Preparation for Short-term Rentals

As winter approaches, it is important to ensure your home is ready for whatever winter weather comes your way. Here are some steps to ensure your home stays safe and warm all winter.  

1. Have a professional give your furnace or heating system a full check-up to ensure everything works. Not only will this help your unit perform efficiently, prolonging the life of the unit and reducing your operating expenses, but it reduces the risk of fire and improves indoor air quality. Add a smart thermostat to help regulate temperatures and reduce heating expenses.
2. Verify that you have adequate insulation throughout your home, including attics and floors, to maximize heat retention when temperatures drop. Pay special attention to all areas with exposed plumbing and insulate those pipes. Freezing temps can cause pipes to split or break, potentially causing serious damage. Check around doors and windows for drafts, which tend to worsen in cold temps. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal gaps or cracks, and install storm windows where applicable.
3. On the outside, disconnect hoses, insulate faucets, and consider draining the water lines if your area is prone to freezes. Have the gutters and downspouts cleaned of all debris to prevent ice dams or dangerous icicles from forming and causing harm to your home or guests.
4. Provide some winter essentials for guest use. Include helpful items guests might not have packed such as a windshield scraper or automobile lock de-icer. If applicable, also include a snow shovel and sand or ice melt for use on your driveways and sidewalks. Stock up with plenty of extra blankets; at least two per bed.
5. If your area is prone to power outages, consider investing in a back-up generator and supplying an emergency kit including water, non-perishable food items, and extra batteries for guest use. Stay informed about weather conditions as winter storms can be unpredictable. If severe weather is forecast, make sure your guests know what to do in case of an emergency. Learn about professional short-term rental property management. Article by: Valerie Goodman