With fall and winter just around the corner, you must prepare your business establishment for the cold season. Aside from keeping your establishment warm, it would help if you also had a clear action plan of what you need to do in case of winter storms.
When the weather is cold outside, your store or restaurant can provide a warm haven for your customers. Here’s how to prepare your business and make your establishment more comfortable for the cold months:
1. Invest in gas heaters.
Gas heaters can give your commercial establishment zone or spot heating, making them an energy-efficient heating option. Radiant heating allows you to focus your heating on places where your customers are. Radiant heating systems supply the heat directly to the walls or floors of your establishment and delivers heat through infrared radiation. One of the benefits of radiant gas heaters is that they do not force the warm air into the room, reducing the risks of allergens and mold spores in the air.
2. Maintain your HVAC.
Before the cold months come rolling in, call your HVAC maintenance crew to do a thorough maintenance inspection of your HVAC system. You do not want your heating system to fail in the middle of winter. A professional will inspect your furnace, vents, air filters, and ducts. He will make the necessary adjustments to your furnace to ensure the safe operation of your heating system. He will also ensure that your furnace and filters are clean for better indoor air and a more energy-efficient heating system.
3. Install a programmable thermostat.
A programmable thermostat allows you to be more efficient with your heating and save money on your energy costs. It will enable you to program your desired temperature. You can lower the heat when your store is still closed and crank it up when you are about to open. Intelligent thermostats use sensors and create patterns out of your schedule. These thermostats intuitively learn your desired temperatures at certain times and adjust everything automatically.
4. Inspect your establishment for leaks.
A leak can cause many problems if left unattended. It can bring cold drafts of air inside. Inspect your establishment for leaks, and be sure to seal them off. Leaks can result in a waste of energy. Seal off doors and windows with caulk to prevent warm air from escaping.
5. Invest in energy-efficient windows and doors.
Energy-efficient windows and doors can help you trap the much-needed heat inside your establishment. Energy-efficient windows use multiple glass panes and are filled with gas in between. They are also coated with low-emissivity coatings that keep the warm air inside during the cold months. They help create a wonderfully warm interior during winter, making your place comfortable for your customers, employees, and yourself.
6. Invest in a generator if you do not have one.
Winter months are notorious for power outages, so it is essential to invest in a generator that will ensure business continuity. If you already have one, make sure that it is well-maintained and that its oil is changed as scheduled. You do not want your generator giving up on you when you need it the most.
7. Stock up on winter tools and supplies.
Be sure to stock up on these winter supplies, which might come in handy: shovels, ice melt, extra batteries, emergency radio, extra rugs, hand sanitizers, and first aid kits. Winter storms and outages can happen anytime, and you would not want to be caught unprepared. You will need some of these supplies to clear off snow from your sidewalks and parking spaces.
8. Have a contingency plan in case of snowstorms.
Winter storms can happen without warning, and you, your employees, and some customers might be stranded in your establishment. Have a contingency plan on what you should do in these emergencies. It would help stock up on other clothes and blankets, non-perishable food, and bottles of water for everyone.
9. Prepare a business continuity plan.
A business continuity plan will determine the responses of your people during snowstorm emergencies. If you can continue operating outside your office, set up a work-from-home plan. It will give your people the guidelines that they need in case going to work is impossible.
Preparing your business for the colder months ensures the comfort and safety of your customers and employees. With a plan in place, you can prepare your business and your team to be more efficient, no matter the situation.