It is the aspiration of every home to own a Jersey shore or Ocean City beach house, but it is an endeavor that goes far beyond the season boom of summer. When the peak of the season winds down, the work starts: getting your home ready for the winter season without surprises to the bottom line. For most homeowners, this means installing routine check-ins with quality local service professionals like Elite Heating & Cooling to prepare climate systems for good condition before the time when temperatures drop. Whether weatherstripping windows or maintaining HVAC, being proactive saves your investment and your sanity.
The following are maintenance items priority every shore homeowner should have had serviced at the start of the off-season.
Because your air conditioner certainly had to work overtime this summer, your furnace or heating system likely sat idle for the past few months. Have it inspected by a pro before you fire it up again. A maintenance this fall will allow you to detect worn components, infected filters, or safety concerns before they become major issues. And don't overlook the cooling system: coil cleaning, draining, and protecting outdoor units ensures longevity.
Forgetting to do this job will find you shivering on the cold winter evenings, or with a repair bill shock when you next open up the house in spring.
Frozen pipes are a major and costly problem for lakefront homeowners. Turn off outdoor water faucets, drain hoses and outdoor faucets, and cover any exposed pipes. If your home has an outdoor shower or irrigation system, have it drained and blown out by a professional company. A single neglected pipe can cause bursts and water damage to the walls or foundation when the temperature falls below freezing.
Coastal weather is tough on things. Wind, saltwater air, and moisture speed up seal aging over inland homes. Inspect weatherstripping and caulking around windows and doors before winter. Replace cracks or flaking. Effective sealing not only keeps water and drafts out but saves heating dollars, a luxury for those homeowners with year-round heated homes.
The Jersey coast is also susceptible to torrential November and December rainstorms and winter nor'easters. Get your roof inspected for loose shingles, broken flashing, or tiny leaks that will quickly become big headaches. Clean gutters and downspouts so water will not accumulate and form ice dams, which will damage the roof and interior walls. If you cannot safely use the ladder, then you hire a local person. It's not so costly when you look at the roof emergency in the middle of winter.
Strong winds are usually on the beach during the off-season. Patios, furniture, umbrellas, and grills must be brought inside, if at all possible. If they are too heavy to bring in, cover them up with waterproof tarps and secure them tightly. Don't forget pergolas, sun sails, or awnings, wipe clean canvas and roll up or secure them. Loose fabric can be ripped off by storms and salt spray and leave you with costly replacements in spring.
Vacant homes may be a virtual invitation to mice, bugs, and mold. Clean the home inside and outside and take away all food sources before sealing it up. Install natural repellents or traps and check for holes in the such as crawl spaces and the attic.
Moisture is also an issue. If the residence will be vacant, run a dehumidifier and set it in auto drain mode. The ocean air humidity will shortly be breeding mold in basements and shut-off areas.
Even when your residence is empty, security systems remain an issue. Don't forget smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as security cameras. In case you have a neighbor or community property manager visiting, leave them fresh keys and emergency numbers.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also suggests developing a storm readiness plan, including boarding up valuables, taking pictures of your property for insurance purposes, and having your flood insurance up to date.
If you are not in the local area, the visits of a local caretaker or property management company phoning through on occasion in winter will provide reassurance. This usually consists of a round of the property to ensure heating is operating, look out for leaks, and close doors and windows. Early detection of minor problems tends to prevent disastrous damage.
Each home is unique, but having your own customized checklist, you'll never forget a thing. Divide it into systems:
Make this list annually each season so that you can do it year after year with success.
Preparing your shore house for the off-season may feel like a lot of work, but each task is an investment in safeguarding your home against the elements. By addressing heating and cooling systems, protecting plumbing, sealing gaps, and securing outdoor features, you’re not only preventing damage, you’re also setting yourself up for an easier, worry-free return when warm weather comes back around.
For the people of Ocean City, life becomes summer to winter. The way you endure those in-between months impacts the way your home will weather the off-season, and how much you'll be using it when the beach town again is your family's summer vacation home.
