I’ve lived in Dallas since 2007 and there’s one thing every North Texas resident knows for certain: it’s HOT. In 2011, the Dallas area experienced 71 days of over 100 degree heat. How’s that for a heat wave?
The extreme heat in Dallas is brutal for many reasons. For investment property owners, it’s particularly cruel because it can cause harm to your property that’s expensive to repair. Here are some key ways to prepare your Dallas rental property for the sweltering heat.
Get Your A/C Unit Inspected
Your A/C unit works double time during hot weather, putting significant strain on your system. A system that’s overworked will quickly fail. For this reason, you should have your A/C unit inspected before summer to ensure it’s running efficiently.
Hire a technician to check the freon level and the overall system performance. A simple inspection is an inexpensive preventative measure that will help you avoid a unit failure. A/C filters should also be changed often to allow for cool air to move through the unit freely. Instruct your tenants to replace air filters regularly and be sure they know how to replace them properly.
Prepare A System For Watering Your Foundation
Extended periods of heat can wreak havoc on your property’s foundation, and foundation repairs can cost over $5,000 on a standard home. Damage occurs when dry soil surrounding the property slowly moves away from the structure, causing it to shift. A moving foundation causes destruction to both the exterior and interior of a property.
Luckily, preventing foundation damage is easily avoidable if you water the foundation often. Check your sprinkler system to make sure it can effectively water the entire foundation. If you don’t have a sprinkler system, purchase soaking hoses and set them around the perimeter of the property to do the watering for you.
Ensure Insulation is Properly Installed
Proper insulation should keep cold air in and hot air out. If cold air escapes, the A/C unit works harder to keep the space cool. Again, an overworked unit can quickly turn into a broken unit.
Use solar screens or curtains to block sunlight and heat for a quick and temporary insulation fix. Hire someone to inspect the insulation throughout your property for a long-term fix. Fully functioning insulation will save tenants money on their utility bill and save you from having to repair an A/C that breaks down.
Bottom Line: Don’t underestimate the damage that heat can do to your property. Develop a hot weather inspection checklist to keep your property safe from damage and your wallet safe from emergency repairs.
Not sure how to get started preparing your rental property for the texas weather? Give us a call!
