Winter Weatherproof Your Business

When the temperatures start to drop, it's important to make sure your business is ready for the winter season. Heating system issues, plumbing problems, and more can put your guests and staff at risk during the cold weather season. In this month's feature, we look at what you can do to prepare for the winter season and which of our suppliers can help you out.

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Schedule your HVAC winter maintenance today!

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Scheduling winter heating system maintenance in the autumn ensures you’re not caught in the middle of the winter weather extremes. Full-service inspections include changing air filters, cleaning essential components, calibrating thermostats, and more. This helps to ensure your hotel heating system is running at peak efficiency and keeping your guests comfortable while helping you control energy costs. Don't wait until the busy season sets in - schedule your maintenance now.

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Prevent frozen pipes

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As any hotelier knows, a positive guest experience is essential to the success of any business. One of the most important aspects of a positive guest experience is a properly functioning plumbing system. To reduce the risk of frozen, burst pipes and fixtures, it is important to take proper precautions before winter arrives. Drain lines that will be out of commission over the frigid winter months, such as lawn irrigation components. Be sure to adequately insulate those that will remain in use, particularly interior lines, to avoid the damage, expense, and bad press of burst pipes. By taking these simple precautions, you can avoid the costly and damaging consequences of burst pipes.

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Reduce energy loss from drafty doors and windows

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If you're noticing a spike in your energy bills, it might be time to check your windows and doors for drafts. Drafty windows and doors not only make your HVAC system work overtime, costing you more in energy expenses, but they can also make your indoor environment chilly and uncomfortable for guests. Fortunately, there are a few easy fixes that can help eliminate drafts and keep your energy costs under control. Caulking and weather stripping around doors and windows can go a long way towards sealing up any gaps, while door sweeps and floor mats can help prevent heat from escaping through cracks. Still feeling a draft? Hidden issues could be to blame. Talk to your local HVAC pro to uncover any hidden problems and get your energy costs back under control.

 

Protect your property from costly ice damage

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Winter weather can wreak havoc on your property if you're not prepared. That's why it's so important to take some time at the start of each winter season to check critical areas of your property for potential problems. Take a look at your roof and gutters to make sure they're in good condition and clear of any leaves or debris that could hinder proper drainage. Inspect your sidewalks and parking lot for cracks or holes that could become a slip-and-fall hazard when winter weather hits. And be sure to have a plan in place for clearing snow and ice in the event of an emergency, so you can remain fully operational. By taking some simple steps now, you can help avoid costly repairs and disruptions later on.

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Ensure you have a salt stockpile

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Every business owner knows that the safety of their employees and customers is a top priority. In the winter, this means taking steps to clear snow and ice from car parks, entryways and pavements. Regular shovelling and salting will help to prevent slips and falls, but it's also a good idea to place non-slip mats in front of entrances. This way, anyone coming onto the property will have extra traction and a reduced risk of falling. Taking these simple precautions can go a long way towards preventing injuries, and that's something everyone can benefit from.