Rental Housing Cold Weather Tips

We would like to provide some information on how to maintain your unit during the cold weather months:

  • If your plans involve leaving your residence for an extended weekend or longer, submit a work request to install a heat lamp:  https://fmsystems.williams.edu/  Use your Google login and password to login into the FM:  Workplace portal.
  • Never turn the heat off in your unit.
  • Do not set the thermostat any lower than 55 degrees.
  • For radiators that have a temperature adjustment dial, do not set the dial any lower than 2.
  • If you discover you have a frozen pipe, please notify Facilities at 413-597-2486 or Security at 413-597-4444 immediately. 
  • Close garage doors.
  • Open cabinet doors under sinks.
  • Don’t forget to check on pipes to your washing machine in the laundry room
  • Keep the faucet open when thawing frozen pipes to allow water to begin flowing through.
  • Check all windows and screen doors to be sure storms are down.  Be sure all windows are closed and locked.
  • Keep drapes and blinds closed, except when windows are in direct sunlight.
  • Put draft snakes on window sills, between window frames, and against doors.
  • If you heat with fuel oil, make sure the tank is full.