Here’s some preventative maintenance suggestions for this fall to protect your property investment.

• If you have a fireplace, get your chimney cleaned before the cold weather arrives.
• Check all filters for HVAC as well as clean out condensation lines for AC compressor units.
• Do an informal plumbing inspection of all faucets, toilets, sinks, showers, tubs, and appliances to ascertain if there are any leaks or faulty mechanisms leading to a waste of water.  Don’t forget to check your hot water heater;  water leaks in even the smallest amounts waste valuable money.
• Check the tile around your tubs and showers for grout deterioration. Areas that appear dried and cracked should be removed and replaced with fresh grout.
• Check the hoses on your clothes washer. If they look dried out, replace them.
• Dryer vents should be checked and cleaned if necessary. If you have a floor drain in your HVAC or laundry area, be sure it is kept free of debris.
• In addition to smoke detectors, we recommend that you have at least one carbon monoxide detector and more than one if you have a larger home. If they use batteries, be sure to replace them twice a year when the time changes (as an easy reminder).

And as even the best laid plans can fail to prevent every problem, we recommend an annual checkup with an insurance agent for yourself as well as tenants should you own any rental property.

We sent this information as an e-newsletter a few weeks ago; if you’d like to get on our distribution list, please e-mail info@brandongreen.com.