It’s coming. You can feel it in the stiffness of your joints and bones. You can savor it in the Pumpkin Spice Lattes and gingerbread cookies. You can see it in the headlights of passing cars when you know it’s only 6:00 p.m. and the sun should be out but instead the evening is already blanketed in night. That’s right. Winter is coming.
In many areas it’s already here. Snow has blanketed the ground and temperatures are already calling for hats, scarves, and gloves. If your home is not prepared, it’s not too late. Winterize your home with these pointers from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Ensure comfort and safety this winter.
In a recent survey Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning discovered that 66.5% of people didn’t know if they would recognize the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. This is a huge problem, especially now since the highest carbon monoxide exposures happen during the winter months when people are turning on their heating systems and taking advantage of their fireplaces.
Another big worry is the initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are like the flu, but without a fever. some of the symptoms are listed below:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Dizziness
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends having your heating system professionally inspected and serviced annually to make sure the system is operating correctly to keep you and your family healthy.
2. Talk to an expert about humidifiers.
Humidifiers don’t just help to keep you and your family healthy, they might help you save money on energy and keep your home décor from becoming ruined. A number of reasons to invest in a humidifier are:
- Humidifiers help moisturize your nasal passages, aiding to ease congestion and sinusitis and keeping frustrating nose bleeds and respiratory infections far off.
- Sleeping with a humidifier can help soothes itchy, dry skin and help clear up severe skin irritations, such as eczema and psoriasis.
- The reduction of moisture in the air helps with beyond just your skin. If wooden furniture or floors get too dried out, they could start to split, and paint and wallpaper may crack or peel. Purchasing a humidifier to your home could help to keep assist in keeping sufficient moisture in your hardwood floors, wallpaper, and paint and keep your home looking newer longer.
- While dry air could possibly make you feel cooler at warmer temperatures, adding a humidifier puts moisture into the home and helps you feel warmer at cooler temperatures, which helps save money on your energy bill.
3. Use your oven. Bake some bread.
When you catch get cabin fever this winter, tie on the apron and start baking! Baking can be therapeutic and it makes your house smell delicious. Try this homemade bread recipe or add a challenge with banana bread and cinnamon bread. Baking is a great way to add some fragrance to your house and offer sweet treats, but be sure to avoid using an open oven to heat your home. Ovens are only created to heat its enclosed baking space, and could be a serious safety and fire hazard when left open and turned on.
4. Inspect your attic insulation level.
An easy way to stay warm and assist with energy savings is to be sure your attic is well-insulated. According to the Department of Energy, a properly insulated attic can save you anywhere from 10% to 50% off your heating costs. If your attic insulation isn’t sufficient, you can lose heat through the attic which causes your heating system to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. The correct insulation can avoid this altogether, saving you money on your energy bills. And who couldn’t stand to save some money right after the holidays?
5. Seal entry points around your roof.
Winter brings on a lot of problems – horrible driving conditions, freezing temperatures, less sunshine – but the most annoying has to be pests. Sealing entry points around your roof can keep inquisitive critters from finding comfort in your home. Avoid bugs, rodents, and wildlife invading your comfy space and snuggle up by the fire in peace.
Want more tips on how to beat winter? Set up an appointment with us online or give us a call at 540-302-8645.