Winterizing Your Home and Community: Tips from a Plant Operations Director

As the Plant Operations Director at Vitalia North Royalton. I know the importance of having the community and my home ready for the cold winter weather. To prepare your house for winter weather, start by inspecting and sealing any gaps or cracks in doors, windows, and walls to prevent drafts and conserve heat. Please be sure to clean your gutters and downspouts to make sure you get the proper drainage. Thus preventing ice dams that can damage your roof and walls when snow and ice accumulate. 

Check your heating system and replace air filters. Plan to schedule a professional inspection to ensure it’s functioning efficiently and safely for the colder months. Insulate your home properly by adding weatherstripping to doors and windows, and consider adding insulation to your attic and walls to retain heat and lower energy bills. Remember also to prepare your outdoor spaces. Start by raining and store garden hoses, cover outdoor furniture, and trim tree branches that could damage your home during winter storms. 

My activities to prepare for colder weather in our community include changing the furnace filter, ensuring proper operation, and verifying the heat is working in empty apartments. I confirm that there are no exposed water lines and check for leaks, gaps, and cracks in the attic. I also check for proper insulation to prevent moisture buildup.

Some benefits of preparing for colder weather are an increased lifespan of the HVAC system and fewer breakdowns. There is reduced energy waste and fewer overall problems during the colder months.

A little time and money spent preparing for wintry weather will pay off great dividends through energy savings. There is no way to stop “Old Man Winter” from arriving at your door, but with some preparation, he’ll stay outside where he belongs!