The Housing Hype

With the weather getting cooler, it’s time to start thinking about winter preparations for your homes.

No matter if you’re combating Germany’s sub-zero temps or just cool mornings and nights, small changes can help lower the high cost of staying warm and cozy this winter.

The KMC Housing Office has just a few reminders to help you prepare for the upcoming change in seasons and winterization of your home, while helping to save on-base housing utility bills.

1. If you or your family will be away from your home for an extended period of time, it’s important that you keep your radiators or floor heating temperature set around 2 or 3 degrees, as a preventive measure, to alleviate the chance of water pipes from freezing.

2. In your home/apartment, inspect and clean heating vents: clear obstacles to heating vents, so air can freely flow.

3. Keep your utility room door closed at all times, for residents who are in Townhomes! As a reminder, if the utility room door is left open, it is possible for the water lines to freeze and cause damage to your residency, so please be aware!

4. During extreme cold weather, it is recommended to “leave the thermostat on a consistent temperature,” so the furnace does not strain to catch up.

Your heating system doesn’t need a weekly cleaning like the rest of your home — especially, as it transitions into heavy use times such as winter and summer. KMC’s housing maintenance workers will perform this function twice a year (cleaning, prior to winter/summer turn-overs) to keep your furnace in tip-top shape.

PLEASE REMEMBER:
Your awareness can help you enjoy the indoor days, knowing you’ve done what you can to protect your living space through the season and aid in lowering utility costs!

Upcoming Office Closures:
The KMC Housing Office and FMS will be closed on Oct. 3 due to a German legal holiday, Oct. 4 for an office function and on Oct. 14 in observance of the holiday. Additionally, the KMC Housing Office and FMS will close at 11:30 on Oct. 9 due to training.