According to weather predictions the upcoming winter is going to be long with lots of snow.  If the damp cool summer is any indication of how the winter is going to be in the mountains, homeowners definitely need to think about winterizing.  We publish an article every year about this time to remind homeowners how important it is to take care of winterization every time you leave your Hidden Valley home for even a week at a time. 

 

The Board of Directors in the Highlands, Four Seasons, Summit and South Ridge Condo Associations can verify the importance of winterization since renewing the insurance for those associations was challenging because of so many claims from lack of winterization and frozen water lines causing water damages.

 

Be considerate of others; when your waterlines freeze and break from negligence, it affects others around you.  October is not too early to begin following cold weather procedures.

 

♦  Set your thermostat to at least 60 degrees or more.  "Low" is too cold to maintain adequate heat.  Don't forget to leave the circuit breakers on.

 

♦  Turn off the water supply at the main valve located near your hot water heater.  Actually this procedure should be followed year round and not just in the winter months.  If you have a leaking faucet or toilet, turning off the main water supply will prevent high water bills.  In the winter leave the faucets turned open.  If you leave your unit for long periods of time, consider draining the water lines as well and pouring anti-freeze into the drains.

 

♦  Open sink cabinet doors and leave interior doors open to allow air to circulate.  This will also prevent musty odors.

 

Checking weather-stripping and insulation around any openings in your home to prevent cold air seepage is also a good preventative measure. 

 

Condominium owners should consider upgrading their insurance to an HO-6 policy (consult your insurance agent for details) so that in the event there is a damage claim, you have adequate insurance coverage to cover the loss.  Any claims against the Condo Association policy will result in the homeowner paying the deductible of $1,000.00.  This does not affect home owners of the townhouses or single family dwellings. 

 

Remember, in the event you need your thermostats turned up, we provide a call out service for a fee.