Please use the below list as reminders of tenant responsibilities this spring.
FURNACE FILTER REPLACEMENT
HVAC filters are recommended to be replaced every 3 months when in use. This is very important to maintaining the life of the furnace and the quality of the air you breathe. Not changing furnace filter regularly causes excess buildup in ductwork and inside furnace which will require the furnace and ductwork be cleaned and sanitized. If cleaning and sanitation is necessary due to Resident’s negligence, then Resident agrees to pay for this expense.
Signs your air filter needs changed:
The filter is visibly dirty. If you can see any residue, it should be replaced.
Turn off your furnace
Find and locate your furnace filter
Determine the size of your filter
Remove the existing (old) filter
Insert the new filter
Return furnace to “on” position
Recommendation:
most of our tenants order their furnace filters in packs of multiple online so they have a few extra in the utility closet.
*make sure to select the correct size*
COOLING SYSTEMS
Now is the time to make sure that your cooling system(s) are in good working order for the warmer months ahead.
If you have a swamp cooler:
(you will need new set of pads, tape measurer, scissors, a wrench, and plyers)
Uncover the cooler and remove the side sections from all three sides of the swamp cooler. Usually there is a small clip that can be rotated in order to release them.
Inspect the pads to see how brittle they are. If they are too old, they will not absorb the water necessary to efficiently cool your home. Replace the pads if necessary by removing the metal pieces holding the old pad in.
Inspect the belt that turns the motor. It should be smooth and free of cracks. Replace if necessary.
Inspect the body of the swamp cooler for rust. It should be drained from the previous season, but if not, drain it now. Any rust spots need to be rubbed down with steel wool and sprayed with a clear coat to protect it from further damage.
Clear out all debris from the bottom of the cooler. Debris can get caught in the water pump and permanently damage it.
Add oil to lubricate the motor. There is usually a little cap that flips open in order to accomplish this task,
Reconnect the water line to the cooler fitting and carefully tighten the nut with a wrench or pliers. Confirm that the drain plug is in place in the water pan and turn on the water supply
Inspect the cooler for any leaks and make sure the drain pans are draining freely
Reassemble your swamp cooler
If you have a window unit:
Replace the air filter
Vacuum and use a clean damp rag to clean the exterior of the air conditions, especially the air vents
Inspect the outside of the unit to make sure shrubs, bushes, etc. are not blocking the airflow
Check that the unit is draining property and that there are no leaks
If you have Central Air:
Replace the air filter. This is the same filter as your furnace.
Please clear out any debris and/or personal items clear of units. DO NOT let weeds, dirt or leaves collect around or on unit.
If you suspected problems with the efficiency or performance of the unit last summer, now is the time to give us a call to send a professional to check it out.
Please give us a call if you would like us to send someone out to prepare your cooling system for Summer. Please note that your account will be billed.
SMOKE ALARM/CO DETECTOR CHECK/BATTERY REPLACEMENT
The large smoke alarms in your home are most likely 10-year lithium battery operated smoke alarms that are ALSO CO detectors. (you can tell this by reading the outside cover). The smaller smoke alarms are usually battery powered.
If a smoke alarm/CO detector alarm is going off and it is next to your furnace or water heater (without any smoke):
DO NOT ignore! Call Dominion Energy immediately to see if you have a gas/CO leak. Please call us with an update afterwards.
If a smoke alarm/CO detector alarm is going off and it is NOT next to your furnace or water heater and there is no apparent smoke…
it may be malfunctioning. Please call us and we will get you a replacement as soon as possible.
If a regular smoke alarm is going off with no apparent smoke:
please make sure to replace the battery as soon as possible.
KITCHEN & BATHROOM DRAINS
Inspect under sinks and make sure there are no leaks. If you see any sign of moisture including smell, please notify us.
This is a good time to clear out any unneeded items, so you are able to easily see a leak.
LAWN & LANDSCAPING
When caring for your yard this season, be sure to rake up and discard any autumn leaves or fallen branches that lasted through the winter. Accumulated leaves or clippings will smother and can eventually kill lawn grass.
Strong storms can damage or weaken trees around your property. If you suspect a tree or branch has become a hazard, either from storm damage or rot, please report it to so we can have it assessed immediately.
Discard of any leaves or fallen branches that lasted through the winter as accumulated leaves can smother and eventually kill grass.
MOWING YOUR LAWN
Regular mowing will ensure that your lawn is healthy and in compliance with your lease and city code, but there are some things you should keep in mind before you start:
Weed your yard before mowing, using lawn friendly weed control if necessary.
Only mow your lawn when the grass is DRY. Cutting the grass while wet can damage the lawn as well as your mowing equipment.
Make sure the mowing blades are new and sharp before starting a mowing session. Many landscapers recommend keeping a couple sharpened mowing blades on hand.
To ensure proper operation of your mower, make sure you change the oil once or twice per mowing season.
NO SPRINKLERS
While watering, make sure you spread the water evenly across the lawn. You do not want to overwater some spots while missing others.
If your lawn is on a slope or hill be sure to check that the water isn't running off. Runoff water can cause yard erosion or damage to the foundation if it's too close to the house. On an incline water is more likely to run off as the ground gets wetter, so break up your watering into smaller sessions.
SPRINKLERS
Please give us a call if you would like us to have someone go out to dewinterize your sprinklers and bill to your account.
GUTTERS, DOWNSPOUTS & WINDOW WELLS
Make sure to clean out your gutters and downspouts to ensure they’re draining correctly and not causing any pooling. If debris is left inside the gutters, it can cause the water to build up and cause damage that could have otherwise been avoided. They should be bringing rainwater away from your foundation and roof. Make sure to weed and clean out any garbage that may have grown or fallen into your window wells.
Please reach out to us if you would like us to send someone to clean out your gutters and window wells. Any charges will be added to your account.
SPIGOTS
Check your hose bibs and spigots for any leaks.
If you are not able to tighten the spigot yourself, please reach out to us if you would like us to send some to take a look.
SPRAYING FOR BUGS
Make sure to spray the perimeter of the home for bugs.
Recommendation:
Home Defense Insect Killer
Please give us a call if you would like us to have a pest control company come go out to spray and bill to your account.
