Winter in California means rain. While fall may not be over yet, it’s the perfect time to do some maintenance to ensure that everything is running properly before the rainy season. The weather can change pretty fast and you do not want to be caught unprepared. Here are some tips that will save you costly repairs and aggravation in the coming months.

Exterior Maintenance

Roof

Inspect your roof for missing, damaged, or loose shingles while cleaning. Check the area around air vents and the caulking around the chimney. A professional roofer can help with maintenance and recommend the necessary repairs.

Gutters

Gutters are important as they help drain water away from your house and roof. However, if they are clogged, they are more prone to cause issues. This could cause more blockage. Moreover, rainwater damages your building’s foundation or seep into your roof, leading to extensive damage. Have your gutters cleaned before winter hits.

Pipes

Cooler temperatures especially freezing could damage your pipes. The good news is that you don’t have to wait to spend thousands of dollars in repair. Let faucets drips to provide relief for your pipes. If you have pipes exposed, wrap them with insulation material like fiberglass sleeves or foam rubber for pipes. These are easy to install and will only take you a few minutes. Also, caulk any holes or cracks that may expose your pipes to cold air. If you’ve previously dealt with broken pipes, it’s best to call in a professional.

Interior Maintenance

Thermostat

If you’ve not invested in a programmable thermostat, this would be the best time to do so, for those who already own one, check the settings. Remember that setting the thermostat to low temperature when you’re away can have a dramatic effect on your savings.

Air Conditioner

You will likely not require your AC during winter but who knows in Southern California? If you are not planning to use it, have your AC covered. Remove window air conditioners or have them covered to prevent air leaks.

Furnace

You’re likely to need your furnace more during winter. It is essential to have your furnace inspected. Have the filter changed and checked for heating efficiency. At this point, it’s also critical to have your chimney examined by a professional, an expert can help sweep the chimney to help prevent carbon monoxide and chimney fires from building up and getting into your building.

Water Heater

A water heater comes in handy when you need to chase off the cold. While you may be tempted to keep it too hot, ensure that it’s set at below 125 degrees. Ensure that the heater is efficiently working by removing any accumulated sediment.

Windows and Doors

Doors and windows are prone to air leaks. Check for drafts around the edges of doors and windows by using a lighted candle. If you notice some flickering, there’s a high chance of there being a draft. Insulated or heavy drapery may be ideal for drafty windows.

Safety Devices

Carbon monoxide detectors and smoke detectors should be kept in top condition during winter. Test them to ensure that they are working properly. Winterizing your building is a small price to pay, particularly if you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars in repairs. The above tips will give you an idea on ways to winter-proof your commercial building this season.

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