Extreme Winter Weather

As the temperatures drop it is important to cover all of the ways you can guard against the effects of the cold on you and your apartment. Below you will find everything you need to know about weathering our harsh Illinois winters.

Absence from your Apartment

We check all vacant apartments, as well as the apartments of residents who are absent, to help monitor pipes/water flow. If you are out of town or are planning on going out of town it is important to make sure we know.

If you are out of town and did not leave your heat on when you left, please call us immediately at (217) 352-1129. 

To let us know, fill out our Notice of Absence form or email us at info@roysebrinkmeyer.com.

Keeping Your Apartment Warm

When temperatures are below zero our systems can really struggle. Cold temps cause complications for plumbing and heating. These tips can help safely keep your apartment as toasty as possible, as well as protect pipes from freezing and bursting.

• Please raise the temperature in your home this evening to 2 to 4 degrees above your normal setting
• Take all programmable thermostats out of setback mode and set them on a permanent HOLD. Do not turn your heat off when you leave your apartment.
• Keep garage doors closed.
• Make sure entry doors remain closed when not in use and limit opening exterior apartment doors.
• Make sure air vents are fully opened and are not obstructed.

Frozen Pipes

With freezing temperatures comes the risk of frozen pipes. Frozen pipes can lead to bursting or flooding which is very costly to repair. 

If your sinks, toilets, or tubs are on walls that are exposed to the elements (in other words, if they do not share a wall with a neighbor), they are at more risk for freezing. Here are some pointers for protecting against frozen pipes:

• Check your faucets regularly. If you find that you do not have flowing water, please contact maintenance immediately at (217) 352-1129.
• Place your faucets at a slow trickle to help prevent freezing.
• Keep cabinet doors below sinks open to allow heat to reach these areas.

We encourage you to protect yourself by purchasing renter's insurance in the event pipes burst or flooding occurs. 

Is Your Heat Working?

If the temperature in your home is dropping and you have HOT air coming out of your vents DO NOT PANIC. Please make sure that your heating system continues to operate. If you find that it is not operational, or is blowing out cold air, please contact our Maintenance Department at (217) 352-1129.

If you have space heaters, use them to help keep the rooms you are in warmer but do not leave them running unattended.

Walking on Sidewalks/Parking Lots

Please exercise caution when walking in parking lots and on walkways. As temperatures rise and fall snow and ice may melt and re-freeze creating newly iced surfaces. Please be aware and take care when walking outside.