As temperatures drop, it's important to take proactive steps to protect your home and stay safe. This guide provides essential information for tenants during cold weather months.

Keep water flowing to prevent freezing. During extremely cold weather, leave a faucet running at a steady trickle—this maintains water movement through your pipes and significantly reduces the risk of freezing and bursting. A bathroom faucet works well for this purpose. Watch this helpful video demonstrating the proper drip rate.

• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing
• Know your water shut-off valve location in case of emergencies
• Keep interior doors open to promote even heat distribution throughout your home

Furnace filter maintenance is essential. If your furnace is accessible to you, you're typically responsible for changing the filter. A clean filter ensures proper airflow and efficient operation, especially during extreme cold.

Understanding normal performance: During very low outdoor temperatures, heating systems may struggle to maintain your exact thermostat setting. It's normal for indoor temperatures to run approximately 5 degrees below your thermostat setting during extreme cold—this doesn't necessarily mean your system is malfunctioning.

• Replace air filters every 3 months at a minimum
• Keep vents clear and unobstructed by furniture or curtains
• Maintain consistent temperature settings, even when away from home
• Ensure windows and doors are fully closed and sealed

If your furnace stops producing heat entirely, or if indoor temperatures drop rapidly, contact maintenance immediately. Review our Furnace and A/C Issues guide and Emergency Maintenance guide for detailed instructions.

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• Seal Air Leaks - Use weather stripping, caulk, or draft stoppers around windows and doors to prevent heat loss.
• Use Window Coverings Strategically - Open curtains during sunny days to capture natural warmth, then close them at night to insulate.
• Layer Up Indoors - Dress warmly to stay comfortable while conserving energy.
• Use Space Heaters Safely - Keep them away from flammable materials, never leave unattended, and ensure they have automatic shut-off features.
• Manage Your Thermostat - As your energy usage increases for heating, expect higher utility bills. Be mindful of your thermostat settings—do not keep the heat set above 70 degrees. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to a lower temperature at night to save on energy costs.
• Close Unused Rooms - Shut doors to rooms you're not using to concentrate heat in occupied spaces.

Stay safe and warm this winter! Taking these preventive measures will help protect your home, reduce energy costs, and ensure a comfortable living environment throughout the cold season.