Essential Summer Home Maintenance Checklist to Keep Your Rental Property in Top Shape

It’s officially spring, which means summer is just around the corner. It’s never too early to start planning for the warm weather, especially when it comes to your property. We have 5 things that you can do now to prep your rental for summer.

1. Check Insulation

You may think that insulation is more important in the winter, but it’s just as important in the summer. Insulation will keep warm air out of the property. It will also increase the efficiency of your cooling system as it keeps cool air from escaping. Reduce the heat and your cooling costs with good insulation and you’ll keep your tenants happy as temperatures rise.

2. Change the Direction of Ceiling Fans

You may rely on ceiling fans to cool your rental if your unit doesn’t have an air conditioner. Fans also cost less to operate than air conditioners, so it’s a good idea to make sure that they are running properly.  In the warm months, your ceiling fans should blow air straight down. For most fans, this means that the fan should be turning counter-clockwise.

3. Inspect the Sprinkler System

If your rental has a sprinkler system installed, it’s time to make sure that it’s in working condition. Check the valves for any sign of damage and clear the sprinkler of debris. You should also check the pressure to ensure that it will be using water efficiently.

4. Clean Air Conditioners

Your air conditioner will probably need to be cleaned before running it in order to increase its efficiency and reduce energy costs. Some of the maintenance will need to be completed by a technician, but much of the cleaning is something that you can do yourself. For more details on how to clean your air conditioner take a look at these tips from the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

5. Reduce Heat-Emission

While you can’t control the heat outside of your rental, you can cut back on the heat that is generated inside of it. Incandescent bulbs generate more heat than LED and fluorescent lights, so you might want to replace some of them. Some of your larger appliances can also generate more heat if they aren’t cleaned regularly because they are working harder. Keep your dryer vent clean and be sure to clean underneath and behind the refrigerator.

Use these tips to get your rental ready for summer. Landlords and tenants will both be happy to keep things running efficiently long and reduce the need for major repairs when the weather heats up.