Before winter is on its way, it’s a good idea for businesses to consider what maintenance they can do. As well as preparing for winter, it can be a good opportunity to do some maintenance that will be useful when spring and summer arrive. Having a winter maintenance checklist can help you do this.
Whether you carry out maintenance in the fall or in the middle of winter, it can be a good time to get things done before it gets much warmer again. It’s always best to be prepared rather than wait for something to break, so take a look at the following winter maintenance tasks.
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Key Takeaways
- Schedule commercial HVAC service before winter to avoid breakdowns during peak cold months.
- Order heating oil or gas early to lock in lower prices, avoid shortages, and pick better delivery times.
- Inspect plumbing before freezing weather, fix leaks, and insulate exposed pipes to prevent a burst pipe.
- Check and replace interior lights and address electrical issues early so your workspace stays safe and usable.
- Inspect exterior areas (roof, insulation, driveway, parking lot), then book snowplowing early to avoid last-minute gaps.
Winter Maintenance Checklist for Your Business
Service Heating and Air Conditioning
You need to keep the heating on in the winter to ensure your business premises are warm enough. Something breaking in the middle of the coldest months definitely isn’t something you want to deal with. By booking commercial HVAC services, you can have your heating system serviced or repaired in time for winter.
It’s also a good idea to ensure your air conditioning is working at the same time. You might not need it now, but servicing it when you’re not using it means it’s in good condition for the summer.
Order Your Oil or Gas Now For Winter
As a small business owner, you know that winter can be tough on your bottom line. Between increased energy costs and the need for extra maintenance, it’s easy for your profits to slip away.
But there are some simple things you can do to keep your costs down and your business running smoothly all winter long.
One of those things is ordering your oil or gas early
You’ll save money. Energy prices always go up in the winter, so ordering early means you’ll lock in a lower price now and save money later.
- You won’t have to worry about running out. No one wants to be caught in the cold without enough oil or gas, so ordering early ensures you’ll have plenty on hand all winter long.
- You can schedule delivery at a time that’s convenient for you. If you wait until the last minute, you may have to take whatever delivery time is available. But if you order early, you can pick a delivery time that works best for your schedule.
- You’ll get peace of mind knowing that your winter maintenance checklist is complete. When you have everything you need on hand, you can rest assured that your business will be up and running all winter long.
- You can take advantage of early-bird specials and discounts. Many oil and gas companies offer special deals for those who order early, so you may be able to save even more money by ordering now instead of later.
Check The Plumbing for Winter Maintenance
You don’t want to have to deal with plumbing problems in the middle of winter. A burst pipe or other issues could be very disruptive to your business. It’s best to check all the plumbing while you can to prevent future problems.
A visual inspection of any exposed pipes can help identify any issues that might be present. Look for any cracks or leaks and insulate exposed pipes, especially outdoors.
Keeping your thermostat at 65 degrees or above can help prevent problems like frozen pipes, too.
- Inspect exposed pipes.
- Insulate.
- Check for leaks.
- Set thermostat to 65°F or higher.
Tools and Supplies List
Here is a list of tools and supplies you need for your winter plumbing care:
- Pipe insulation sleeves.
- Weather stripping.
- Spare bulbs.
- Ice melt.
- Salt spreader.
- Flashlight.
- Thermostat settings note.
Keep the Lights On for Your Winter Maintenance Checklist
With fewer daylight hours and more gloomy days, you need to keep the lights on in your business during the winter. One of the first things that you might want to do is check that all of the lights are working.
Replace any bulbs that no longer work and identify the source of any other problems.
It’s better to make any repairs now so you can keep the lights on all winter. Check for any electrical issues that could cause problems, so you can take care of them right away and save on your electric bills.
- Replace bulbs.
- Test exterior lights.
- Schedule an electrician for recurring issues.
Outside Winter Maintenance for Your Business
Inspect your roof, insulation, and paved areas before the first freeze.
Watch out for ice dams, and call a professional to handle them if you think you have one. Ensuring everything is properly insulated will also help to protect your business premises. You might also want to take steps to prevent ice in your driveway or parking lot.
Be sure to add these tips to your winter maintenance checklist to help your business soar.
Hire Snowplowing Company
Winter’s here, and snow is on the horizon. It’s time to think about snowplowing. Hiring a snowplowing company now ensures you won’t wake up to a driveway buried under a thick layer of snow.
Avoid the hassle and backbreaking work of shoveling yourself. Pros come with the right equipment and expertise to clear your property quickly and efficiently.
Don’t wait until the first snowstorm hits; by then, most companies will be booked. Secure your spot now and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ll have clear paths all winter long.
In Conclusion: Your Winter Maintenance Checklist
Carry out some important winter maintenance to help protect your business throughout the colder months. You will be glad when you start saving money on the rising costs of energy to maintain your business space.
Planning ahead keeps you on top of your business before the snow begins piling up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Maintenance for Businesses
What should a business include in a winter maintenance checklist?
A practical winter maintenance checklist covers HVAC service, ordering fuel (oil or gas), plumbing checks (including insulating exposed pipes), lighting and electrical checks, and outside prep, such as roof inspection, insulation, and ice control for walkways or parking lots. If snow is common in your area, it also includes hiring a snowplowing company early.
When should I do A winter maintenance Checklist for my business?
Do a winter maintenance checklist in the fall if you can, but mid-winter works too if you are behind. The main goal is to do key work before equipment fails, especially heating systems and plumbing that causes business downtime. A winter maintenance checklist will help you stay on schedule.
Why should I order oil or gas early for winter?
Ordering early can lower your fuel costs because prices often rise in winter. It also reduces the risk of running out during cold snaps, provides more delivery options, and may qualify you for early order discounts from suppliers.
How do I prevent frozen or burst pipes at my business?
Start with a visual inspection of exposed pipes for cracks or leaks. Insulate exposed pipes (especially outdoors), and keep indoor heat steady. The article also notes that keeping your thermostat at 65 degrees or higher helps reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
Why hire a snowplowing company before the first storm?
Snowplow companies book up quickly once storms start. Hiring early helps you secure service, keep driveways and entry paths clear, and avoid the time and physical work of shoveling, so your business can open safely.
