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 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 tips from Roy Inch & Sons Home Services by Enercare.
1. Ensure comfort and safety this winter.
In a recent survey Roy Inch & Sons Home Services by Enercare 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 utilizing 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) advises 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 destroyed. A some reasons to invest in a humidifier are:
- Humidifiers help moisturize your nasal passages, aiding to relieve congestion and sinusitis and keeping frustrating nose bleeds and respiratory infections away.
- Sleeping with a humidifier can help relieve itchy, dry skin and help clear up severe skin irritations, such as eczema and psoriasis.
- The lack of moisture in the air helps with more than just your skin. If wooden furniture or floors get too dried out, they may 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 may make you feel cooler at warmer temperatures, using a humidifier puts moisture into the home and helps you feel warmer at decreased temperatures, which helps save money on your energy expenses.
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 yummy. Try this homemade bread recipe or add a challenge with banana bread and cinnamon bread. Baking is a wonderful way to add some fragrance to your house and provide tasty 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 significant safety and fire risk when left open and turned on.
4. Look at your attic insulation level.
A simple way to stay warm and boost energy savings is to be 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 costs. 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 comfy temperature. The correct insulation can avoid this altogether, saving you money on your energy bills. And who couldn’t benefit from saving 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 sunshine – but the worst 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 occupying 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 226-270-1164.