It’s coming. You can feel it in the pain of your joints and bones. You can taste 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 darkness. 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 world with these pointers from R & M Climate Control Service Experts.
1. Ensure comfort and safety this winter.
In a recent survey R & M Climate Control Service Experts 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 most carbon monoxide exposures happen during the winter months when people are turning on their heating systems and utilizing their fireplaces.
Another big concern is the initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are like the flu, but without a fever. A few of the symptoms are listed below:
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Dizziness
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) suggests having your heating system professionally inspected and serviced regularly to make sure the system is operating properly 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 some reasons to invest in a humidifier are:
- Humidifiers help moisturize your nasal passages, aiding to alleviate congestion and sinusitis and keeping annoying nose bleeds and respiratory infections away.
- Sleeping with a humidifier can help improve 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 might start to split, and paint and wallpaper may crack or peel. Buying a humidifier to your home could help to keep assist in keeping adequate moisture in your hardwood floors, wallpaper, and paint and keep your home looking newer longer.
- While dry air could make you feel cooler at warmer temperatures, utilizing a humidifier puts moisture throughout the home and helps you feel warmer at lower temperatures, which helps save money on your energy costs.
3. Use your oven. Bake some bread.
When you catch get cabin fever this winter, bring out 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 delightful way to add some fragrance to your house and provide sweet treats, but be certain to never use an open oven to heat your home. Ovens are only made to heat its enclosed baking space, and could be a major safety and fire danger when left open and turned on.
4. Check your attic insulation level.
A simple way to stay warm and help with energy savings is to make sure your attic is well-insulated. According to the Department of Energy, a sufficiently insulated attic can save you anywhere from 10% to 50% off your heating expenses. If your attic insulation isn’t sufficient, you can lose heat through the attic which causes your heating system to strain to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. The proper 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 annoyances – horrible driving conditions, freezing temperatures, less daylight – but the most annoying has to be pests. Sealing entry points around your roof can keep inquisitive critters from finding comfort in your home. Keep out bugs, rodents, and wildlife invading your comfy space and nestle 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 865-229-6176.