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| Winter maintenance tips |
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It's always a good time to make sure your property is ready to face the harsher weather conditions. Here are a few helpful tips for all home-owners to help them maintain and add value to their properties during the winter months.
Insulation
Good quality, well installed insulation makes your house easier to heat, and healthier.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) estimates that as many as 600,000 New Zealand houses have insufficient ceiling or underfloor insulation, and insulation can move or become less effective over time.
A well insulated home is important and is a big draw card because it provides a healthier living environment and makes the home easier to heat. Even if you already have your home insulated, it’s important to check that it hasn't become compacted by factors like water damage, dampness and compression from storage boxes, which will make it less effective.
Find out if you qualify
Think about what insulation your property has and whether there is enough to provide a comfortable environment. Installing ceiling, wall and under-floor insulation can increase the value of your asset. You can also look into providing thermal backed curtains.
Heating
A home that provides effective and efficient heating options is always a draw card for tenants and home buyers. Good sources include heat pumps, modern wood or wood pellet burners and good flued gas heaters. Avoid unflued gas heaters as they can increase condensation.
Thick curtains can be a great way to keep the heat in and the cold out too and can help reduce your tenants heating bills
For those landlords who already have a heat pump, make sure you get the filter changed and make sure the exterior unit is free from bushes, excess leaves etc.
Dampness
Musty smells, mould or water stains on walls, ceilings or under carpets can all be signs of excess dampness.
Remove any mould before winter begins and consider installing extractor fans into kitchens and bathrooms
If you have trees that block sunlight you could also consider pruning these back
Take a good look around the property and check for any musty smells or signs of mould and have it removed immediately. Take a look in hidden places too like wardrobes, cupboards and the backs of curtains
Check that your extractor fans are still in good working order
If you have a ventilation system make sure that the filter has been changed in the past 12 months.
Pipes, plumbing and guttering
With winter comes rain and that can mean overflowing gutters and rain coming into the home from leaks and exterior damage.
Check that your gutters, down pipes and drains are clear and that nothing needs repairing or cleaning
Inspect and clean your gutters and down pipes to make sure they are free of leaves and other debris and that nothing needs repairing
Check the homes’ flashing and roof to ensure there are no leaks or worn tiles so that water cannot enter the home
Consider installing leaf guards on the gutters and extensions on the downspouts to direct water away from the home.
Clean the fireplace
If your property has a fireplace, it’s important to have it cleaned every year. Most insurance policies include a condition that fireplaces must be cleaned annually, if this condition is not complied with, your policy may be deemed to be invalid in the event of a fire. If the fireplace doesn't get used, consider blocking it off as this will reduce warm air escaping the house. |
| Monday, Jan 18, 2016 |
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| » RENTALS |
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| Apartment |
€ 615 |
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| Location: |
Veliko Tarnovo |
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