Winter can be a challenging time for facilities, with plummeting temperatures, heavy snowfall, and increased risk of power outages. To ensure your facility is prepared and minimize disruptions, it's essential to implement a thorough winterization plan. Here's a comprehensive checklist to guide you:
- Full Inspection of HVAC Systems: Conduct a full inspection to identify and address any issues, including broken parts, damaged filters, and inadequate ventilation.
- Clean and Change HVAC Filters: Clean or replace filters regularly to maintain air quality and prevent system strain.
- Increase Ventilation: Increase ventilation by increasing the number of windows or installing exhaust fans to improve air circulation and employee health.
- Test Backup Generator: Test your backup generator monthly to ensure its functioning properly and ready for emergencies.
- Test Emergency Lighting Systems: Test all emergency lighting systems, including battery-powered lights and generators, to ensure they're working as intended.
- Clean Out Gutters: Clean gutters to prevent water buildup and potential damage during freezing temperatures.
- Close Off Water Supply in Unheated Spaces: Shut off water supply to unheated spaces and reduce water heater temperature to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
- Winterize Cooling Systems: Remove hoses and check coolant levels to prevent freezing in cooling systems.
- Inspect Roofs: Inspect roofs for damage, such as missing shingles or loose flashing, and make necessary repairs.
- Inspect Weatherproofing: Check weatherproofing around doors and windows for wear and tear and repair any issues.
- Inspect Insulation: Improve insulation in walls, ceilings, windows, and pipes to reduce heat loss and energy consumption.
- Occupant Comfort: Maintain comfortable indoor air quality by ensuring heating and cooling systems are in good condition and regularly cleaning filters.
By following this checklist and addressing potential issues proactively, you can ensure your facility is well-prepared for the winter season and minimize disruptions to your operations.
