Preparing for Colder Weather: Tips from The Boulevard Senior Living Plant Operations Director

As the Plant Operations Director at The Boulevard Senior Living – St. Charles. I know the importance of preparing both the community and my home 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. Be sure to clean your gutters and downspouts to ensure 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. Or schedule a professional inspection to ensure it’s functioning efficiently and safely for the colder months. Insulate your home correctly by adding weatherstripping to doors and windows. Add insulation to your attic and walls to retain heat and lower energy bills. Remember also to prepare your outdoor spaces. Drain and store garden hoses, cover outdoor furniture, and trim tree branches that could damage your home during winter storms. 

In our community, we take several initial steps to prepare for colder weather. We make sure to turn off all hose bibs, replace furnace air filters, activate stairwell heaters, switch off air conditioner units, and activate the heating system. This proactive approach ensures the comfort and satisfaction of our residents and staff. Additionally, for any vacant apartments, we make sure to switch on the heating to prevent potential problems with frozen pipes.

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 will stay outside where he belongs!