By Eric Gandler (Clifton Park)

Winter in Clifton Park brings more than snow and cold—it brings challenges for local businesses. From rising energy demands to safety concerns, preparing your business before temperatures drop can prevent expensive issues and keep daily operations running smoothly. Whether you run a retail storefront, a restaurant, an office, or a commercial facility, now is the time to take proactive steps.

Below are the top five things Clifton Park business owners can do to prepare their business for winter, along with expert insight from Eric Gandler, a trusted local professional known for helping businesses stay safe, efficient, and ready for the cold months ahead.

1. Inspect Your Electrical System Before Extreme Cold Hits

Winter puts added strain on electrical systems due to increased heating use, lighting needs, and equipment running longer hours.
What to do:

  • Have a licensed professional—such as Eric Gandler—inspect panels, breakers, and outlets.

  • Check for overloaded circuits or outdated components.

  • Ensure exterior lighting and emergency lighting are functioning properly.

Why it matters: Electrical problems increase in winter, and small issues can turn into major outages when your business needs power most.

2. Prepare Your HVAC and Heating Systems

Keeping your building warm isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your employees, your customers, and your infrastructure.

Action steps:

  • Schedule a full HVAC inspection before the first freeze.

  • Replace filters and clean vents.

  • Check thermostats and consider upgrading to smart controls to reduce energy costs.

Bonus tip: Insufficient heating can cause pipes to freeze and burst, leading to costly downtime.

3. Evaluate Exterior Lighting and Safety Measures

Shorter days mean more time in the dark—and that affects customers, staff, and overall security.

Your Winter Prep Checklist:

  • Upgrade parking lot and walkway lighting.

  • Install motion lighting where appropriate.

  • Check signage visibility during snow, ice, and early sunsets.

Well-lit businesses not only look more inviting but also help prevent slips, trips, and falls.

4. Protect Your Building’s Exterior and Equipment

Winter weather in Clifton Park can be unpredictable, so structural and outdoor equipment preparation is essential.

What business owners should do:

  • Clear gutters to prevent ice dams.

  • Seal any drafts around windows and doors.

  • Inspect roofs for loose shingles or weak spots.

  • Winterize outdoor equipment and cover exposed electrical components.

These steps help you avoid damage from snow, ice, and wind—saving money in repairs later.

5. Review Your Energy Efficiency Strategy

Winter can cause energy bills to spike. Preparing now helps you stay efficient through the cold season.

Ways to cut winter energy costs:

  • Upgrade to LED lighting.

  • Install programmable or smart thermostats.

  • Use timers or sensors on exterior lights.

  • Have Eric Gandler evaluate your electrical usage for improvements that deliver long-term savings.

Small upgrades can make a major difference—especially during the energy-heavy winter months.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your Clifton Park business for winter doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right planning—and with help from trusted local experts like Eric Gandler—you can ensure your business stays safe, efficient, and ready no matter how harsh the season becomes.