Preparing Your Business for Winter | Teems Electric

What is your favorite season? Spring and fall certainly have some of the best temperatures, but summer brings with it a sense of freedom, while winter brings the sweet warmth of the holidays.

All of the seasons have something to be excited about, but they also bring specific threats and challenges you need to prepare for.

You might already do a whole lot to prepare your home each season, but how do you prepare at the office? If you are a business owner, being prepared can not only save the lives of your employees, but it can also prevent the loss of property. Preparing ahead of each season can also make your building more efficient, saving you money each month.

While each season certainly presents unique challenges, winter comes with a certain set of issues you need to be ready for. So, how do you prepare your business for winter?

Prepare for Savings

Even with fairly mild winters here in the South, electric bills will still be on the rise. Keeping your building warm can be challenging, leaving you constantly changing the thermostat as the weather swings. With a little prep work, though, you can cut your costs and keep things warmer.

Start by installing a programmable thermostat. Lower your temperatures during the off-hours for a significant savings on your electric bill. Consider a WiFi-enabled thermostat so that you can keep an eye on temperatures even when you are away. Remember to change your thermostat settings when everyone is out of the office, like over the holidays.

Use window coverings to further control the temperatures and cut back on lighting usage. When the sun is out, turn off overhead lighting and allow sunlight in. On very cold days, keep the windows covered to keep the heat in.

Check the seals on your windows and doors during the fall and replace any worn-out caulking. Consider adding motion detectors to rooms that are not frequently used in order to prevent lighting overuse.

Prepare for Safety

While saving money is certainly a good reason to take action ahead of the winter season, preparing your business can also prevent losses from disasters. Even with our mild winters, frozen pipes are a huge problem every winter. Preparation is key to avoiding a major event.

Never set your heat lower than 40 degrees, even when everyone is gone for several days in a row. Make sure outside taps are covered if you have any, and let your faucets drip on nights that freezes are predicted.

Keep your electronics safe by encouraging your team to unplug as much equipment as often as possible. Make sure you have battery backups and check your emergency supplies. Schedule HVAC or boiler maintenance for in the fall, and if you have a backup generator make sure to have that professionally inspected as well.

The more you can do to prepare your business ahead of the cold season, the safer things will stay. You can keep your costs low and prevent a disaster with a few simple steps.

Ready to make your business more energy-efficient and safe every season? Contact us for a free energy audit.