It’s coming. You can feel it in the pain 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 ready, it’s not too late. Winterize your world with these pointers from Becht/Givens Service Experts.
1. Ensure comfort and safety this winter.
In a recent survey Becht/Givens 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 worry, 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 issue is the initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar 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) advises having your heating system professionally inspected and serviced yearly 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 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, helping to alleviate congestion and sinusitis and keeping annoying nose bleeds and respiratory infections away.
- 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 things other 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. 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 could make you feel cooler at warmer temperatures, adding a humidifier puts moisture back in 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 come down with 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 wonderful way to add some fragrance to your house and give you sweet treats, but make sure not to use an open oven to heat your home. Ovens are only designed to heat its enclosed baking space, and could be a major safety and fire risk when left open and turned on.
4. Inspect 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 appropriately insulated attic can save you anywhere from 10% to 50% off your heating expenses. If your attic insulation isn’t satisfactory, you can lose heat through the attic which causes your heating system to run more to keep your home at a comfy temperature. The appropriate 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 nuisances – 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 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 502-785-8230.