We’re moving from Summer into Autumn so you know what that means. The big freeze is coming and unless you’re prepared for it, it can make your life a real misery. So here we’re going to look at how to use those daylight hours while you still have them. We’ll look at how to heat up the home, keep it warm and keep you safe in the winter.
Don’t make your heating costs a splurge
You need to be more in control of the actual heating system of the home. For example, use a programmable thermostat so you can heat or stop heating the home as you like. For those particularly cold days, however, you need to look at your space heaters. Newer furnaces are, by design, a lot more energy efficient than the older ones. Older ones are also a lot likelier to suffer malfunctions that can reduce efficiency or even make them more dangerous. Click here and do your research about more efficient, safer furnaces for your space heating needs.
Eliminate pesky leaks
Hot air rises. What is a physical fact can very quickly become a trouble for your home. If hot air rises, then cold air will rush in to fill the gap. If those gaps aren’t there, the lower air still stays warm. But if those gaps are, then all the heat will get trapped in the attic, making it harder to maintain in lower levels. You need to eliminate those leaks by any means necessary. Insulate your roof and your basement if you can. Caulk any gaps in windows or doors you can find and buy some draft excluders.
Look after your pipes
One of the biggest risks of a cold home in the winter is a bursting pipe. It can cost a lot to get your water running again, but it can also cause a lot of damage including damp and mold. First, make sure your pipes aren’t leaking. Then get them insulated. Insulated pipes not only reduce the risk of them freezing. They also keep heated water warm for longer, so you’re spending less on it.
Mind your windows
Your windows play a big role in how much heat gets in and out of the home. For one, thicker glazing is a good idea for letting less hot air out. On sunny days, you want to let as much light in the home as possible. Light equals heat, after all. At night, however, you want those windows sealed up tighter than a walnut. For that reason, it’s a good idea to have winter-blocking window treatments. Heavy curtains, for example. These same treatments can also help you keep the home cooler in summer, as they stop solar heat gain. So check all your windows during winter nights.
We hope the advice above helped you spot some ways to protect your home from the winter elements. It can be a bit of an investment, but it’s worth it for your comfort but most importantly, your health.
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