Are you ready for Autumn?

And just like that, the holidays are over!

If you were lucky enough to get away during the Summer, you might be coming into September with a bit of a back-to-school feeling – what’s your job, and how do you do it again? The changing seasons mean that you’ll need to get back into the swing of things quickly though, as there’s plenty for facility managers to get done before the Summer sun turns into Autumn rain!??

That shift between the seasons comes with its own challenges and proactive planning is vital to maintain safe, efficient, and comfortable environments within your facilities, with the added bonus of reduced costs and far less stress if you know that you’re properly prepared!

So this month, let us walk you through Almeda’s essential steps to ensure your facility is fully prepared to face the challenges that autumn and winter bring.

So long, summer

Before the cold weather sets in, it's important to get these end-of-summer tasks ticked off:

HVAC system: Schedule a professional inspection of your heating system – it needs to be more than just a quick once-over; it should be a thorough examination of the whole system. Clean the ducts to improve air quality and system efficiency, as dust and debris built up over the summer can really impact performance.

Replace filters to ensure clean air can circulate properly (which reduces strain on the system), and check for any worn parts, particularly belts, motors, and bearings. If you replace them now, you can avoid expensive breakdowns during peak winter use.

Test the system to ensure it's operating at maximum efficiency. This includes checking thermostats and making sure there’s even heat distribution throughout the facility.

Roof and gutters: Give your gutters and downspouts a proper clean out – clogged gutters can lead to all sorts of trouble! Inspect the roof for any signs of damage or leaks, and pay attention to flashing around chimneys and vents, as these are common problem areas.

Check for loose or missing shingles and replace as necessary, and ensure all your drainage systems are functioning correctly.

Exterior maintenance: Give all your exterior surfaces a detailed inspection, particularly anything wooden. Touch up exterior paint to protect against moisture damage: it’s not just about the aesthetics; it'll help your building's structural integrity.

Repair any cracks in walls or foundations which could allow cold air and moisture to penetrate, leading to further damage. Check all of your outdoor lighting fixtures and replace bulbs as needed.

Landscaping: Any trees and shrubs need a final pruning to get them ready for the cold weather and remove any dead or weak branches that could fall. Remove dead plants and prepare beds for winter, and aerate and fertilise lawns to ensure they survive the winter and improve drainage. Any outdoor furniture and equipment that won't be used during winter months needs to be stored or protected.

Get ready for winter… and more energy consumption

The darker, colder months mean that larger energy bills are almost inevitable, but there are some strategies you can employ to keep your energy bills in check without your facility resembling a giant walk-in fridge!

Insulation:

• Conduct a thorough inspection of insulation in walls, attics, and around pipes. Look for gaps, compression, or signs of moisture damage.
• Upgrade insulation where necessary, paying special attention to attics and anywhere that’s especially exposed.
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas to prevent freezing and potential bursts.
• Consider adding insulation to hot water heaters and ducts in unconditioned spaces.

Sealing:

• Use caulk to seal gaps around windows and doors. Even a small draft can significantly impact your heating efficiency.
• Check for gaps around electrical outlets, especially on exterior walls, and use foam gaskets to seal them.
• Inspect the seals on loading dock doors and other large entryways. These are often overlooked but can be major sources of heat loss.

Thermostats:

• Install or update to smart, programmable models for better temperature control.
• Set up schedules that align with building occupancy, reducing heat in unoccupied areas or during off-hours.
• Consider zoned heating systems for more precise control in different areas of your facility.

Safety first

The changing seasons also bring a different range of safety measures that you need to think about. ?Restock your first aid kits, ensuring they're fully equipped for winter-specific injuries like slips and falls, and stock up on salt or ice melt.

Update cold weather safety procedures, including strategies for navigating icy surfaces, and develop and communicate a clear policy for any extreme weather conditions, including potential facility closures or work-from-home policies.

Review and update your emergency response plan, ensuring it addresses winter-specific scenarios like power outages or severe snowstorms (you might joke that this wouldn’t happen in the UK but with climate change, anything’s possible…)

Lastly, before the clocks go back and those dark winter evenings set in, check the light levels and the controls for all your exteriors and carparks – it’ll improve visibility and increase security for staff, as well as for your facility.

Baby, it’s cold outside…

… But you have to consider the quality of the indoor environment. This means keeping things healthy inside during the months when your building will be more tightly sealed.

Establish a regular HVAC filter replacement schedule for winter months, and adjust humidifiers to optimal levels to combat dry winter air. By the same (but opposite) token, identify and address potential moisture problem areas before they become breeding grounds for mould: ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-moisture areas, and establish a protocol for quickly addressing any water leaks or flooding incidents.

Summing up

Being proactive now means you’ll be well-prepared to face any challenges that autumn and winter bring to your facility. Remember, proper preparation now can lead to some pretty significant cost savings, reduced stress for you, and happier building occupants throughout the winter.

Stay on top of things throughout the autumn and into winter by regularly assessing how things are going and adjusting your plans accordingly. The autumn and winter weather can be unpredictable, so you need to be flexible and able to respond to emergencies quickly. Encourage open communication with your staff and building occupants, as they’re often the best measure of how your preparation is performing in real-world conditions.

Remember, the key to successful facility management in the gloomier months isn’t just reacting to problems as they arise, but also by preventing them before they have a chance to occur. Give Almeda a call to find out how our team can help you today!