The days are short, the temperatures are dropping, and the festive season is upon us. Winter in the UK brings with it cold snaps, increased energy demands, and the joy of Christmas. For our residents in a managed apartment block, you have the peace of mind knowing that Levels Property Management is working diligently behind the scenes, ensuring the building’s critical infrastructure – from common area lighting to external maintenance – is winter-ready.

However, even with our proactive management of common areas, taking a few simple steps within your own home can make a world of difference to your comfort, your energy bills, your security, and your overall peace of mind during the coldest and busiest months.

Here is your essential, in-depth guide to preparing your apartment for the cold snap and navigating the winter season smoothly and safely.

1. The Electrical Efficiency Audit: Heating and Energy Use

Unlike traditional houses, most modern apartment blocks utilise efficient electric heating systems. Since these are not susceptible to burst pipes from freezing water in the same way as gas systems, your focus must be on maximising electrical efficiency to keep those bills under control.

• Test Your System: Ahead of the deep cold, switch on your heating system (whether panels, storage heaters, or wet electric radiators). Do they heat up as expected? If any unit is not functioning, contact a qualified professional immediately before the cold snap hits.
• Maximise Radiator Output: If you have wet electric radiators, ensure you ‘bleed’ them if you find cold spots at the top. This allows the internal fluid to circulate fully and makes your heating more efficient.
• Preventing Freezing While Away: If you are leaving your apartment for an extended period, it is prudent not to turn your heating off completely. Setting your thermostat to a low-level ‘frost protection’ temperature – around 10C-12C – will protect any internal pipes, such as those running to kitchen sinks or bathrooms, from potential freezing, which is a key part of managing risk.
• The Draught-Busting Detail: Give all windows and external doors a final check for draughts. Use simple door snakes, brush seals, or self-adhesive foam strips to seal any lingering gaps. Reducing heat escape is the single best way to save money with electric heating.

2. Festive Safety: Decorations, Lights, and Fire Risk

The festive period brings cheer, but also a heightened fire risk due to decorations and temporary lighting. Enjoy the festivities, but always practice best-in-class safety.

• Check Festive Lights: Only use lights that carry the appropriate safety standard marks (such as the UKCA mark). Crucially, never overload plug sockets. If using extension leads, ensure they are in good condition and rated correctly for the load.
• Avoid Communal Areas: No decorations, lights, or trees should be placed in hallways, stairwells, or landings, unless facilitated by the management company and ourselves. These areas are fire escape routes, and keeping them clear is a mandatory fire safety requirement. This is a critical part of Managing Risk.
• Candles and Scents: Be careful with real candles, especially if you have pets or small children. Never leave burning candles unattended.
• Christmas Tree Safety: If you have a real tree, keep it away from heat sources (like radiators) and water it regularly. A dry tree is a significant fire hazard.

3. Community Etiquette: Visitors, Deliveries, and Waste

Christmas often means increased visitors, deliveries, and packaging waste. Practicing extra diligence ensures a harmonious living environment for all. This is a key part of Building Communities.

• Respectful Visitors and Parking: If you have visitors, remind them to be mindful of noise, especially late at night. If parking is limited, advise them on designated visitor spots or off-site parking options to ensure clear access for all residents and emergency services.
• Extra Delivery Security: With online shopping spiking, package theft can increase. Use tracking services, arrange for a neighbour to collect parcels, or utilise external locker services if available. Do not buzz strangers into the building based on delivery claims.
• Keep Communal Areas Clear: Do not leave bags of rubbish, empty boxes, or discarded wrapping paper in hallways, stairwells, or next to waste bins. This is unsightly, creates a fire risk, and violates the terms of most leases. Break down boxes and place them directly in the designated waste or recycling bins.

4. Balcony and External Responsibility

If your apartment includes a private balcony or terrace, winter requires specific maintenance to prevent potential hazards.

• Clear and Secure: High winds and ice can turn loose items into dangerous projectiles. Bring all non-essential items, such as lightweight furniture, covers, and planters, inside or secure them firmly to the structure. This is especially vital in high-rise buildings.
• Drainage Check: Ensure the drainage outlets on your balcony are completely clear of leaves, soil, and ice. Blocked drains can lead to standing water, which can freeze and cause damage to the balcony membrane or pose a slip hazard.

5. General Winter Security and Compliance Check

Darker evenings and poor weather necessitate a renewed focus on security and compliance.

• Smoke and CO Alarms: A working alarm is your first line of defence. Test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly and replace batteries where required. This simple task is a critical component of managing risk within your property.
• Security While Away: If you are travelling for the holidays, inform a trusted neighbour and consider using timer switches for internal lights to make the property look occupied. Ensure all windows and doors are securely locked.
• Report Any Damage: Storms and ice can cause damage. Use MyLevels to report any non-functional common area lighting, broken entry systems, or leaks you notice in the building promptly.

Your Ultimate Winter and Festive Apartment Checklist

This table summarises the essential checks to prepare your apartment for the coldest and busiest months. Remember, for any building-wide issues, or for a fast and efficient way to report maintenance, use the MyLevels, accessible 24/7.

Task	Rationale	Action to Take
Electric Heating Check	Ensure optimal performance and efficiency.	Turn on and test all heating units. Bleed wet electric radiators if cold at the top.
Frost Setting (If Away)	Protect your property and reduce cold.	Set the thermostat to a low-level background heat if leaving for an extended period.
Draught Proofing	Reduce heat loss and energy bills.	Seal gaps around windows and doors with foam strips or draught excluders.
Festive Light Safety	Prevent fire risk from electrical faults.	Use only certified lights and avoid overloading plug sockets or extension leads.
Balcony Security	Eliminate wind/ice hazards and projectiles.	Securely tie down or store all loose items, furniture, and planters.
Drainage Clearance	Prevent standing water and ice build-up.	Ensure all balcony drainage holes are clear of debris.
Communal Area Rule	Maintain clear fire escape routes.	Absolutely no decorations or rubbish in communal hallways or stairwells.
Security & Deliveries	Protect against package theft while shopping.	Use tracking, collect parcels promptly, and do not buzz in strangers.
Smoke/CO Alarm Check	Critical safety and compliance.	Test all alarms monthly and replace batteries.
Report Concerns	Get issues rectified swiftly by your property manager.	Use MyLevels to report any maintenance or security issues 24/7.