It’s coming. You can feel it in the stiffness 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 certain areas it’s already here. Snow has already fallen 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 Strand Brothers Service Experts.
1. Ensure comfort and safety this winter.
In a recent survey Strand Brothers Service Experts discovered that 66.5% of people didn’t know if they would recognize the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. This is a massive problem, especially now since peak carbon monoxide exposures happen during the winter months when people are turning on their heating systems and using their fireplaces.
Another big issue is the initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are close to 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) recommends having your heating system professionally inspected and serviced yearly to make sure the system is running well 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 few reasons to invest in a humidifier are:
- Humidifiers help moisturize your nasal passages, helping to alleviate congestion and sinusitis and keeping frustrating nose bleeds and respiratory infections at bay.
- Sleeping with a humidifier can help relieve itchy, dry skin and help clear up severe skin irritations, such as eczema and psoriasis.
- The absence of moisture in the air helps with more than 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 aid in keeping adequate moisture in your hardwood floors, wallpaper, and paint and keep your home looking newer longer.
- While dry air may make you feel cooler at warmer temperatures, using a humidifier puts moisture back in the home and helps you feel warmer at decreased 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 delightful way to add some fragrance to your house and give you delectable treats, but be sure not to use an open oven to heat your home. Ovens are only created to heat its enclosed baking space, and could be a major safety and fire risk when left open and turned on.
4. Look at your attic insulation level.
A simple way to stay warm and help with energy savings is to be sure your attic is well-insulated. According to the Department of Energy, a appropriately insulated attic can save you anywhere from 10% to 50% off your heating bill. If your attic insulation isn’t satisfactory, you can lose heat through the attic which causes your heating system to strain to keep your home at a cozy temperature. The proper insulation can avoid this altogether, saving you money on your energy bills. And who couldn’t afford 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 daylight – but the worst has to be pests. Sealing entry points around your roof can keep nosey 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 512-592-3072 .