The Ultimate Winter Facility Management Checklist

By Author: National Facilities Direct
Total Articles: 2
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Maintain HVAC Systems

Preventative HVAC maintenance ensures your heating systems work when you need them most. While you most likely have a preventative maintenance plan in place, these basic preparations can improve system efficiency and help get your system ready for winter.

Check and replace any air filters

Clean ductwork

Check for leaks

Calibrate thermostats

Check heat pumps

Inspect electrical connections

Clean out drain lines and pans to present freezing

Test humidity and temperature controls and monitors

Inspect Plumbing

Freezing temperatures can occasionally cause facility water system leaks and even flooding. Therefore, it’s important to be proactive and prepare plumbing and irrigation before winter.

Check for leaks at all fixtures and piping

Ensure pipes are insulated and sealed to prevent freezing, bursting, or flooding

Check operation of valves and shutoffs
 

Prepare for Power Outages

Strong ...
... storms, ice build-up on power lines, and other winter weather-related problems can lead to inconvenient power outages. Taking the necessary precautions to ensure the functionality of a secondary power source, like a backup generator, can help you avoid costly downtime.

Perform regular and preventative maintenance on power generators, like fluid changes and electrical connection checks

Test generators for operation and switchover before the incident

Ensure proper fuel supply for generators

Check for exposed wiring and remediate – especially in areas exposed to freezing temperatures and melting ice or snow

Make sure emergency lighting systems work properly and check all lightbulbs

 
Examine the Exterior of Your Buildings

Avoid emergency repairs in the middle of winter and give buildings and surrounding areas a thorough inspection to spot any potential trouble spots before winter sets in.

Inspect roofing for holes or damage that could cause leaks during snowmelt

Check for loose shingles and repair damage to existing seals and flashing

Clean debris from roofs and gutters to ensure proper drainage

Make sure all windows and doors have proper insulation

Regularly check the parking lot and sidewalks for cracks and potholes

Inspect siding

Keep an eye on possible landscaping threats like hanging tree limbs

Have a snow removal plan in place that includes walkways and parking lots

Keep entryways clean and safe with a deicer solution

Designate a spot to pile snow or have it professionally hauled away

Ensure lighting is operational or installed in these spaces to improve visibility

 
One Partner for All of Your Facility Management Needs

Facilities management is a year-round responsibility that involves careful planning and preparation. However, winter poses a new set of challenges that can strain even the most well-maintained facilities. Harsh winds, chilly conditions, heavy snowfall, ice, and lack of daylight can add extra stress to an already busy workload. 

Partnering with an FM provider can help alleviate some of the stress that comes with the wintertime. From reduction of costs to optimizing your facility management programs for increased efficiency, the right partner can provide the support you need to take your operations to the next level this winter. 

At National Facilities Direct, your problems are our problems, and we will work with you to provide a solution that meets your needs. Our customer-centric environment means we’ll stop at nothing to ensure you and your organization have the tools necessary to succeed. If you’re ready to cross items off your list with a facilities management partner you can trust, contact national facilities direct today!