How to Prepare Your Apartment for a Vermont Winter

Winter in Vermont can bring freezing temperatures, snow, and plenty of cold-weather challenges. A little preparation before winter arrives can help keep your apartment comfortable, protect your home, and prevent avoidable maintenance issues.

Here’s our winter-prep checklist for residents:

❄️ Remove Your Window Air Conditioner

If you have a window air conditioning unit, now is the time to remove it before temperatures drop below freezing.

Leaving a window A/C installed throughout the winter can allow cold air and moisture into your apartment and may contribute to drafts, water damage, or damage around the window.

Once removed, make sure the window is completely closed and secured.

🔥 Test Your Heat

Before the really cold weather arrives, turn your heat on and make sure your apartment is heating properly.

Check each room and make sure you are getting adequate heat throughout your apartment. If your heat isn't working properly, don't wait until the first major cold snap to report it.

If you are experiencing a heating issue, submit a maintenance request through AppFolio as soon as possible.

🪟 Check Your Windows & Doors

Take a few minutes to check your windows and exterior doors.

Make sure they:

• Close completely
• Lock properly
• Don't have noticeable drafts
• Don't have damaged weather stripping

If you notice an issue that could allow cold air or moisture into your apartment, submit a maintenance request so our team can take a look.

🌡️ Keep Your Apartment Warm

During the winter, it's important to maintain a consistent temperature in your apartment, especially when temperatures are extremely cold.

Never turn your heat completely off during the winter. If you're traveling or away from your apartment, leave the heat on and maintain a safe indoor temperature to help prevent frozen pipes and other cold-weather damage.

🚫 Keep Heating Areas Clear

Make sure furniture, curtains, rugs, boxes, and other belongings aren't blocking heating vents, radiators, or other heat sources.

Keeping these areas clear allows warm air to circulate properly and helps your heating system work more effectively.

🚰 Help Prevent Frozen Pipes

Freezing temperatures can create serious plumbing problems. Residents can help protect their apartments by keeping the heat on and maintaining a consistent indoor temperature.

If you notice unusually cold areas, a lack of heat, or signs of frozen plumbing, contact property management promptly.

🧳 Going Away for the Winter?

If you'll be away from your apartment for an extended period, make sure your heat remains on while you're gone.

Before leaving, it's also a good idea to:

• Confirm your heat is working
• Close and lock all windows
• Make sure exterior doors are secure
• Keep your apartment at a safe temperature
• Follow any winter or extended-absence requirements in your lease

🛠️ When in Doubt, Submit a Maintenance Request

If something doesn't seem right, don't wait for it to become a bigger problem. Whether it's a heating issue, drafty window, plumbing concern, or another maintenance issue, submit a request through AppFolio so our maintenance team can address it.

Stay Warm This Winter!

Taking a few simple steps before winter arrives can help keep your apartment comfortable and prevent cold-weather problems.

From all of us at Larkin Realty, stay warm and enjoy the season! ❄️