As quickly as the temperatures rise, it is already time to start dropping again. While everyone is excited for fall or winter, it is important to prepare your home for the cooler weather. If you are a season homeowner or a first time renter, it’s very important to take the right steps to prepare your home for the colder months. By preparing your home for the colder months, you will feel more confident, cozy, and warm inside your home. With the help of our Maintance Manager, Ben Dickson, we have complied a list of tips to help prepare your home.
- If you live in a place with a wall AC, turn it off, unplug it, and put the cover on.
- Dust off radiators.
- Make sure your windows seal up to prevent letting in cold air. Keep the windows closed and locked during the winter.
- If you have a ceiling fan, set the fan to circulate clockwise. This helps your apartment stay warm without turning up the temperature.
- Test out your heat to ensure it is working properly. If it is not, put in a work order.
- Swap out your summer bedding for winter bedding to keep you warm while you sleep.
- If you are using a space heater, only two space heaters can run at a time in one unit. If more space heaters are running, this will cause a power outage.
- Buy winter essentials before the first snowfall.
- Keep a shovel inside in case the snow is blocking the doorways.
- Bring out or purchase a shoe tray for your boots.
- Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If they seem to be working incorrectly, put in a work order.
- Do not turn off your heat if you are leaving for an extended period. Keep your heat set to 68 – 70 degrees to prevent pipes from freezing up and to maintain a warm unit.
- If you have an outside area of your apartment or home, cover up your outdoor furniture or store it for the winter to prevent damage.
- Keep furniture, curtains and blanket’s away from baseboard heaters as this will block your heat from keeping your apartment warm.
By taking these proactive steps, you’ll be on your own way to enjoining a cozy and invite home or apartment throughout the fall and winter months. Stay safe and warm in the upcoming months!