Here's what you can do to get your business ready for winter weather.

If your business is located in an area that experiences extreme winter weather conditions, you will need to take steps around your office in preparation for the winter months. Not sure where you should start when it comes to winterizing your business? Here are some of the tasks you should take care of before the sleet and snow head your way. Seal Up Any Leaks or Gaps The Department of Energy estimates that American businesses waste $200-$400 every year due to drafts and air leaks in their company buildings. Before winter arrives, it's important to assess your property for leaks and drafts, and seal them up to keep heat inside and cold air out. Gaps tend to form around windows and doors, so pay particular attention to these areas. By completely sealing up your business's premises, you can reduce your energy consumption by up to 30% this winter. Schedule Maintenance for Your Heating System You should have your business's heating system professionally inspected on an annual basis. If you haven't already scheduled your maintenance appointment, you'll want to do so before winter weather sets in. This way, your service professional can check for issues such as airlocks, thermostat problems, leakage, and other signs that your heating system is not operating efficiently. Additionally, by getting your heating system checked now, you can ensure that it doesn't break down this winter and leave you and your employees to freeze. Protect Your Pipes When temperatures drop below freezing, there is an increased chance of your business's pipes freezing over and bursting. As burst pipes can easily result in thousands of dollars in damages, take steps to protect your business's pipes this winter. By leaving your thermostat set to at least 55° at all times, you can protect the pipes inside your building. For the pipes located outside, consider spraying them with elastomeric insulation to better shield them from frigid temperatures. These are some of the steps you should take to winterize your business this year. Want another way to keep your company safe all winter long? Make sure you have the right commercial coverages in place. For assistance with all your business's insurance needs, contact the team at East End Insurance Agency to get started today.