10 Tahoe Property Owner Tips to prepare for Winter
It’s early October and while our current Tahoe weather still feels like its summer, everyone knows that these days are numbered. It won’t be long until the first snow falls. So here are ten Tahoe property owner tips to prepare for the upcoming winter.
1.) Furnace Check-Up. If it’s been a while since your furnace had a check-up, now is the time to set-up an appointment. No time for an appointment? At least make sure you replace the air filter, or clean it. Make sure the cold air return is clear of furniture and clean. Remember to turn your thermostats “on” and set for at least 50 degrees.
2.) Propane Tank Levels. If your home is heated by propane, check your tank levels and re-fill as necessary. This is also a good time to make sure there are snow poles in place marking where your tank is located at.
3.) Foundation Vents. If you remembered to open your foundation vents to air out your craw spaces, now is the time to close them up to prevent pipe freezing later in the season.
4.) Snow Removal Service. Have you set up your snow removal service for the upcoming 2011-2012 season? It’s time to get your annual contract. If you weren’t happy with last years’ snow removal service, now is the time to shop around and line-up someone new.
5.) Snow Shovels. As you store away the summer seasonal items, now is the time to locate your snow shovels, and re-stock the snow melt.
6.) Outdoor and Indoor Lights. Check all of your outdoor and indoor lights to make sure they are working. Replace burned out light bulbs now while access is easy. If lamps are on timers, adjust them so they turn on earlier for the shorter days.
7.) Flashlights. The winter weather will bring power outages. Check all flashlights to make sure they are working. Replace old batteries and place the flashlights where you can easily find them. If you don’t have a flash light in your car, this is a good time to put one in.
8.) Smoke detectors. It’s easy to forget to change out the batteries in your smoke detectors, until they start to chirp. If you know you won’t be in Tahoe for the fall-back time change, replace the batteries in your smoke detectors now and change your timing to when you bring in the deck patio furniture and when you take it out!
9.) Carbon Monoxide Detectors. As of July 1, 2011, California state law changed, and all homes should have a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. If you haven’t installed them, do so now.
10.) Tahoe Fun. One of Tahoe’s best kept secrets are the fabulous fall days. The summer crowds are long gone, but Tahoe is still amazing. Before the snow falls make sure to spend at least one weekend in Tahoe and have some fall fun!
For all of your Tahoe real estate needs, Laura Allen, Broker Associate, REALTOR®, CalRE# 01473598, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Tahoe City, CA | 530.414.1260 email Laura@TahoeLaura.com