It’s coming. You can feel it in the tension of your joints and bones. You can smell 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 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 household with these tips from Eveready Service Experts .
1. Ensure comfort and safety this winter.
In a recent survey Eveready Service Experts discovered that 66.5% of people didn’t know if they would recognize the indicators of carbon monoxide poisoning. This is a huge concern, especially now since most carbon monoxide exposures happen during the winter months when people are turning on their heating systems and taking advantage of their fireplaces.
Another big concern 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 regularly to make sure the system is working 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 can 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, serving to ease congestion and sinusitis and keeping annoying 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 might start to split, and paint and wallpaper may crack or peel. Buying a humidifier to your home could help to keep aid 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 costs.
3. Use your oven. Bake some bread.
When you come down with get cabin fever this winter, bust out the apron and start baking! Baking can be therapeutic and it makes your house smell yummy. 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 sweet treats, but make sure to never use an open oven to heat your home. Ovens are only created to heat its enclosed baking space, and could be a significant safety and fire hazard when left open and turned on.
4. Inspect your attic insulation level.
A simple way to stay warm and assist with energy savings is to ensure 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 adequate, 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 nuisances – bad driving conditions, freezing temperatures, less sunlight – but the worst has to be pests. Sealing entry points around your roof can keep curious 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 804-548-4480.