If you’re new to Hyde Park Chicago, weather is a big topic of discussion. You’ve probably heard of our name, The Windy City, but we experience a lot more than wind here.

ivy hastings at 5125 S Kenwood Ave in Hyde Park Chicago during winter time

WHAT IS HYDE PARK CHICAGO WEATHER LIKE IN WINTER?

Average winter temperatures range from 18º F to 37º F (-8º C to 3º C), but factors such as wind chill and dampness change the real feel to temps below these numbers. This doesn’t even factor in winter storms like polar vortexes!

Aside from temperature, Hyde Parkers expect snowfall varying from a light dusting to 37 inches (949 mm) depending on the forecast. Severe storms can bring ice, hail, and more to the area.

Preparing for inclement weather in Chicago helps to keep your apartment safe from the elements while keeping you comfortable at home. Especially if you plan to be gone for days or weeks at a time, it’s important to take the necessary steps to make sure your apartment is safe in all conditions.

STEPS TO WINTERIZING YOUR HYDE PARK APARTMENT

cat warming itself on radiator

It’s not uncommon to find your furry friends near the radiators during colder months! The warmth can be soothing. | Image by Meg Stewart via Flickr

STEP ONE: KEEP THE HEAT ON

You may be tempted to turn the heat off if you travel during the holidays. DO NOT DO THIS! Your plumbing relies on these warm conditions in order to stay functional. Think about it — your pipes are full of water. If the water in these pipes dips below 32º F/0º C, the water freezes. Since water expands when frozen, you’re setting yourself up for leaks, pipe bursts, and overall chaos.

Your rule of thumb is to keep your apartment above 55º F. If you have a radiator, this means simply leaving your radiator open. For apartments running on central heating, be sure to leave your thermostat running and held at 55º F or above when you leave.

If you ever feel too warm in your apartment with a radiator, it’s important to know how to use it! Radiators have a special dial that determines how much steam can flow into the radiator. Watch this video to learn how to turn your radiator on and off. Please note that some experts recommend only having the dial on fully or off fully, but it is possible to have it open partially.

show sink drip

STEP TWO: PREPARE YOUR APPLIANCES FOR THE COLD

As mentioned, making sure your appliances are warm is vital to keeping your apartment safe and warm during the winter. Before leaving, try these simple things to make sure your appliances get the heat they need to keep water from freezing:

  • Open the lower cabinet below your kitchen and bathroom sink (if applicable) to allow the warm air to hit those pipes easily.
  • Unlock your dishwasher and crack the door open slightly to keep air flowing inside the machine.
  • Leave a small drip going in the faucet of your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and bathtub to ensure that water is flowing throughout your leave. This truly is a small drip and not a stream!couple inside packing for their upcoming trip to leave the hyde park chicago weather for the holidays

STEP THREE: PLAN AHEAD FOR YOUR LEAVE

Leaving for days or weeks at a time means your apartment may look empty. The holidays are a time when thieves may be on the lookout for empty-looking homes to strike. It’s always a good idea to keep some of this in mind and plan accordingly before you walk out the door. We suggest:

  • Locking all of your windows shut. If there are child-safety locks on the window, be sure to activate those as well.
  • Lock all doors before you leave.
  • Use timers to have lights and/or a radio turning on and off throughout the day to simulate someone being home. If you use any app-enabled outlets, you can also use them as a way to turn on and off these elements in a more sporadic fashion.
  • If you use an in-home camera, leave your status to “Away” with your notifications turned on. This alerts you if someone enters your home and can be used as evidence if needed.

snow-covered street in hyde park chicago weather

OPTIONAL STEP FOUR: WINTERIZE YOUR CAR

If your car is in Hyde Park, you’ll want to make sure that your car is ready for the aggressive winters, too. Some easy ways to keep your car healthy this season are to:

  • Store the necessary equipment in your car. At a minimum, you need an ice scraper and snow brush like this to remove snow and ice from your windshield before driving. Collapsible shovels like these come in handy if your car is buried in a spot during heavy snowfall.
  • Take your car for a car wash regularly to remove dirt and salt from the exterior. Opt for undercarriage cleanings to remove excess salt, which can erode at the undercarriage.
  • Keep your tank full. In cold weather, your car struggles more to start than during warmer months. Never let your gas tank go below a quarter tank.
  • Visit your car weekly. You should start your car at least once a week for at least 15 minutes. Tires can change pressure during colder months. Make sure your tires are not deflating and check the tire pressure if your light turns on. If you are not driving somewhere, pull in and out of the spot you’re parked in so the tires do not freeze to the ground if ice has formed.
  • For extremely cold weather, such as polar vortexes, you may want to add a gas-line antifreeze to your gas tank. In these situations, go to the gas station and empty the whole bottle into your gas tank before fueling up. This helps keep the gas moving in your tank so it doesn’t freeze in extreme temperatures.
  • During heavy blizzards or ice storms, avoid driving on Lake Shore Drive. In the past, its proximity to the lake has made this major roadway dangerous for travelers. For example, a massive storm in 2011 resulted in cars being left on Lake Shore due to the dangerous driving conditions. Don’t let this be you!

Remember, your Ivy Residences team is always here to support you. Please contact our office with any questions you may have on making your apartment in Hyde Park Chicago weather-proofed.