It goes without saying, but one of the most important steps in getting ready for winter should be having a well-stocked and organized maintenance shop with all the equipment, supplies, and parts necessary to maintain and repair water heating systems, HVAC systems, plumbing and electrical systems. Planning ahead will save you time, money and the frustration of not being able to serve your residents in the middle of winter. Examples of these items include: Thermostats, heating elements, heat relays, safety switches, relief valves, gas valves, water valves, pipes and fitting, and soldering supplies.

Before ordering any parts, maintenance technicians should make an inventory of existing supplies to be able to order only what is absolutely needed, and prevent waste and overstocking. In addition, technicians will also need to order any materials for insulating exterior structures, fixtures, and piping that might be exposed to weather conditions and could cause damage to buildings or equipment, or cause cold air and water intrusion into the inside of apartment homes. Examples of these items can be: Exterior caulk, weather stripping, insulation, sand and filters.

The following is a list of preventive maintenance recommendations to be ready for the winter time and prevent emergencies caused by equipment breakdown.

Preventive Maintenance for the Winter

1. Heating Systems: Replace filters, check gas lines and valves for leaks, and electrical components, safety controls and ventilation systems for proper operation.

2. Fire Places: Make sure chimney cap screens are in good condition, dampers are open for proper operation, and chimneys are cleaned.

3. Exterior of Buildings: Make sure walls, doors, and windows are sealed properly to prevent cold air or water from entering the apartments. Install caulk, weather strip, and door sweeps wherever necessary.

4. Roofs, Gutters, and Downspouts: Make sure all gutters and downspouts are cleaned properly and leak checked, and make sure roofs do not have any damaged shingles or flashing.

5. Plumbing: Make sure garden hoses are drained, exterior valves and pipes are protected from cold weather with some type of insulation.

6. Landscaping: Make sure tree branches are trimmed and sensitive plants are protected from freezing temperatures.

7. Exterior Areas: Make sure exterior driveways, sidewalks, stairways, and public areas are safe and there are no tripping or falling hazards and drains are cleaned.

8. Winter Emergency Supplies and equipment: Make sure enough stock of ice-melt and sand, candles, matches, batteries and radios are available, and special equipment like snow blowers, rakes, snow shovels, ice choppers, and power generators are in good working condition.

9. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Make sure detectors are in good working condition and batteries replaced.

10. Vacant Ready for Winter: Make sure heaters are on and set at least at 60 degrees, cabinet doors are opened, and water heaters and/or washers in outside storage areas are turned off and drained properly.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - National Maintenance & Safety Instructor, NAAEI

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