As spring arrives, it is important to take care of the spring maintenance of both your home and your summer cottage. The extent of this maintenance is influenced by a number of factors, including whether the cottage has been cold during the winter, on basic heating or in use all year round. The age of the cottage and the type of construction may also determine some of the measures required.
In this blog post, you will find a list of tips on the most important maintenance points for your summer cottage's building services. By getting the basics right, you can avoid unnecessary surprises and extra costs. You'll also get tips on when to call in a professional. If you have any questions, our customer service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
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Go through the electrical equipment
Go through all electrical appliances and check their condition carefully. Wipe away dust and make sure the wiring is intact - rodents may have damaged it during the winter. Also remember to clean the backs of the fridge and oven. They accumulate a surprising amount of dust, which can impair the performance of appliances and shorten their lifespan.
If you find faults in electrical equipment, take it to a professional to have it checked. Faulty equipment can put unnecessary strain on the power grid or even pose a fire safety risk. Unserviceable equipment should be sent to SER waste collection for proper recycling.
When checking your electrical equipment, it is a good idea to make sure that the sockets in your cottage are sufficient for your current needs. Many appliances require charging, and sockets fill up quickly. It can be frustrating if your laptop is running out of battery power and all the sockets are occupied by things like your offspring's games consoles.
If sockets need to be serviced or replaced, always leave this electrical work to a professional. Electrical installations are licensed work and require expert knowledge to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. 24 Center makes finding a trusted electrical professional quick and easy.
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Check that the ventilation is working properly
Ventilation technology varies depending on the year and technology used to build the cottage. Some cottages rely on gravity ventilation, while others rely on mechanical ventilation.
Adequate ventilation is important both for the comfort of the cottage and for the maintenance of the structures. Check that there are enough replacement vents and that they are not blocked or broken. Blocked vents are easy to identify - if the air is stale and heavy after a night out, the ventilation is not working properly.
If you are unsure about the adequacy of ventilation, please contact our customer service. We will help you to assess the situation and, if necessary, send a professional to carry out the maintenance.
Are you considering an air-source heat pump for your summer cottage?
An air-source heat pump is an efficient and environmentally friendly way to cool your summer cottage during the summer months. If you're wondering whether an air conditioner alone would be enough or whether an air-source heat pump would be a better option, it's worth remembering that an air-source heat pump does more than just cool. It also cleans the air, which is particularly useful for people with pollen allergies as it can significantly improve indoor air quality.
Through the 24 Center you can order deep cleaning of your air-source heat pump, as well as a new air-source heat pump and its installationif the purchase is timely. Contact us and we'll find out what type of unit is best for your home or cottage and send a professional to carry out the installation.
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Go through water points and drains, especially the joints
If the water points have been properly drained in autumn, you can start the cottage season in spring without worry. However, it is important to check that taps are working, drains are running and there are no leaks at the connections. Even a small amount of water can cause damage during the winter, so these checks are an important precaution.
If you notice low water pressure, a blocked drain or a leak, you should call a professional. Even minor faults can get worse over time and lead to costly repairs.
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Are the locks intact?
Locking solutions for summer cottages vary - the main building may have a traditional key lock, while padlocks are often used in outbuildings. The fluctuating temperatures and humidity of winter can damage locks, so regular maintenance will prolong their life. If a lock gets stuck, breaks or needs replacing, the professionals at 24 Center can help quickly.
The security of the cottage requires special attention, as it can be left unattended for long periods. In a holiday home or rental cottage, managing numerous keys can be a challenge, in which case an electronic locking system is a handy solution. It allows unlocking with codes, key fobs or a mobile app that can lock and unlock doors remotely. The system also allows you to create unique or time-limited codes, making it easier for different users to access the cottage.
In the 24 Center network, you'll find experts for both mechanical locks and electronic locking systems - quickly and reliably.
Read more about the electronic locking system.
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Annual sauna maintenance: when was the last time you checked the condition of your stove?
It's a good idea to check the condition of the water points and drains in your sauna, but the ceilings and stove also need regular maintenance.
Stones should be replaced every 1-2 years, depending on the frequency of sauna use - the more often you sauna, the faster the stones crumble and reduce the quality of the sauna baths. In a wood-fired sauna, you should also ensure that the flue is regularly cleaned to keep the flue in good condition and the sauna heated efficiently.
The average life of an electric stove is 10-15 years, but it's worth replacing it sooner if:
✔ the heating performance of the stove has deteriorated
✔ electricity bills have increased significantly
✔ you want to upgrade the appearance and functionality of your sauna
If the electric heater is not heating properly, the resistors are worn out or the heater is operating unreliably, professional help is recommended. In the 24 Center network, you can quickly find an expert electrician to replace your heater safely and in compliance with regulations.
Read more about annual sauna maintenance.
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Pay attention to fire safety
According to the Rescue Act, the owner of a property must ensure regular chimney sweeping. This is not only important for fire safety, but also to ensure that the fireplace works efficiently and the flue drains properly.
The chimney-sweeping regulation was reformed in 2019, and rescue services are no longer obliged to provide chimney-sweeping services. Property owners can order the work from a chimney sweeping contractor of their choice. Holiday homes must be chimney-sweeped at least every three years, but if the cottage is rented out all year round, chimney-sweeping must be carried out annually, as in a permanent home.
Also remember to check the cleanliness of chimneys and the condition of smoke detectors and first aid equipment. A well-maintained fireplace and a working alarm system are the basis of fire safety in your cottage.
