3 ways to winterize your business
For business owners, Jack Frost can nip at more than your nose. If you’re not careful, bitter winter temperatures can cause damages that will take a chunk out of your bottom line.
But a few preventative steps can keep your business safe from the dangers posed by cold, ice and snow.
1. Keep the water flowing.
Frozen pipes can burst, causing major damage to any business location. Prevent this from happening by:
- Keeping your thermostats set at a minimum of 55°F when the building is empty.
- During especially cold situations, running a small trickle of water through your faucets to help keep pipes from freezing.
- Exposing pipes to warmer temperatures by keeping cabinet and utility room doors open.
- Making sure all pipes in difficult-to-access areas—such as crawlspaces, exterior walls or attics—are insulated. Hardware or big box stores have foam and fiberglass insulation. The more insulated, the better!
- For unheated sprinkler control valve/fire pump rooms, using UL-approved gas or electric unit heaters to help keep temperatures warm.
- Installing a monitored electric leak detection system for the main domestic water line along with monitored electronic sensors near water sources to help you discover leaks before they cause significant damage.
2. Keep your heating bills in check.
Maintain an efficient furnace and keep energy costs under control with a few simple steps:
- Use a programmable thermostat to reduce heating costs by as much as 30%. During low-occupancy hours, set the thermostat several degrees lower for significant savings.
- Check your heating ducts to see if the insulation should be replaced. Inadequate insulation could lead to higher energy bills.
- Install energy-efficient glaze on windows and doors. Save money on your energy bills by replacing[…]
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Continue reading this Grange Insurance article.