Below are a few important tips for your home to ensure energy efficiency & security as you transition into fall and winter season.

• Never shut off your heat completely (or allow fuel tanks to run out).  The weather can change overnight in our area and a freeze can happen when you may not expect it (after you leave for Thanksgiving break for example).  Your lease requires the heat remain ON with thermostat setting at a minimum of 58 degrees to prevent frozen pipes, which can cause significant & costly damages.
• Remove window air conditioner units, leaving these in windows during cold weather is a significant source of heat loss, and could be a security risk or cause frozen pipes.  Remove and store them away, closing the window fully.
• Disconnect outside water hoses; please disconnect any outside water hoses, if they freeze they can burst the pipes.
• Close and lock all windows, to prevent your heat from escaping.  It may not be apparent, but the tops of windows can remain open even when the lower section is closed.  Here is a youtube video that may help with the most common type of window: https://youtu.be/430UvsgjwVc
• Do not block your heat source:
  • If your heat comes from the long baseboard heater units along the bottom of the wall, be sure that there is at least 6-10 inches of clearance between any furniture such as couches, beds, mattresses, bean bag chairs etc.  If you have a couch or mattress pressed against the heater it could present a hazard and will certainly prevent the heat from properly circulating and warming the rooms.
  • If you have forced warm air heat, the vents in the floor should not be covered with rugs, low furniture or the like, the air needs to be able to come out into the room in order to heat the space properly.
• Clean up pumpkins or other fall decorations; pumpkins/squash/gourds/decorative corn cobs or corn stalks left to rot on the porches, steps or decks can cause unsanitary conditions, damage to the surfaces and invite vermin/mice/squirrels.  Please clean up and dispose of any pumpkins or similar fall decorations BEFORE you leave for Thanksgiving break.  If our maintenance staff has to clean these up, costs to residents would apply.  
• Prepare cars/parking for snow removal providers; when snow storms are in the forecast, arrange your cars in advance in such a way that the snow plow can come through and clear the snow without obstruction.  If your cars are blocking snow plows, you may be plowed in and you may end up having to shovel more than you want to.  Help them to help you!

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones, safe travels.