The 2020 Farmers’ Almanac predicts that this coming winter will feature a “Polar Coaster,” blustery winds, and brutally cold temperatures. Just like you schedule an annual check-up for your furnace at home, you should do the very same for the boilers and heating components at your commercial facilities. Taking preventive measures now can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and lost productivity in the event that something goes wrong. While there’s no way to prevent problems entirely, there are three steps you can take to significantly lower your risk.
Inspect boilers and furnace units. Every commercial facility is different. Some feature a series of boilers, while others have multiple furnace units. It’s important to have a mechanical systems specialist out to perform a thorough inspection. Pipes get rusty over the years and water tanks crack and leak. To achieve the best possible results, you should schedule an inspection once a year, preferably before the first freeze or snowfall of the season.
Pinpoint drafty areas or inefficiencies. Holes in your insulation, cracks in the ceiling, or exterior doors that don’t close fully can lead to poor insulation and loss of heat. Try and address these issues before the cold snap hits. Even minor leaks can run up your heating bill significantly. Plus, if your employees are cold, they’re less productive.
Develop an emergency plan, just in case. What would you do if the power at your facility goes out? Do you have backup generators, blankets, and first-aid kits? If not, consider stocking up. There’s no way to fully predict when a major weather event will hit, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
As a commercial real estate professional, winter safety matters. If you haven’t already, schedule your annual inspection today.