Winter is here, which means you’ll want to keep your home warm. But you’ll also want to take all the necessary steps; otherwise, you risk overworking your heating system or, even worse, putting your family’s health at risk. Below, we cover the basics and give you some helpful tips on common mistakes to avoid when staying warm this cold season.
Don’t Crank Up Your Thermostat
We’ve all done it: We lose our patience and crank up the thermostat in an attempt to quickly warm up our home. If you’ve been there, you also know this method doesn’t work as intended.
Cranking up your thermostat won’t warm up your home any faster. What it will do is increase your energy consumption, which will only lead to higher heating bills. And you could probably afford to save a few dollars after all that holiday shopping. So, before you reach for the thermostat, consider keeping it at a reasonable temperature that won’t increase your monthly utility bill.
Don’t Neglect Your Attic
A poorly kept attic can be a serious liability when it comes to keeping your home warm. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of assuming what happens in the attic stays in the attic. This section of your home can actually affect the temperature throughout your living quarters.
For example, many homes lack sufficient insulation in the attic, which can lead to not only colder winter months, but also hotter temperatures during the summer. In addition, some homes have attic bypasses through which heat escapes into the attic. As you keep your home warm this winter, you’ll want to pay attention to the uppermost part of your home and make sure everything is in order.
Don’t Leave Chimneys and Fireplaces Unattended
Let’s be honest: Those of us with chimneys and fireplaces often leave them unattended. That’s part of the charm. We like to have firewood burning slowly in the background, especially if there’s snow outside to complete the picture. But we also know we can’t leave fireplaces unattended for too long; otherwise, we risk starting a fire.
It’s also important to note that we can’t neglect chimneys, especially when they’re being put to use for the first time in months. Too often, a chimney can become a home to birds or other animals who build a nest there – creating a fire hazard in the process. This winter, make sure to inspect your chimney for any potentially flammable materials before starting the first fire of the season.
Don’t Forget to Change Air and Furnace Filters
Out of sight, out of mind, right? Not quite. Many people make the mistake of neglecting their air and furnace filters; in fact, most people don’t even know their homes have these filters in the first place. Sure enough, these pieces of equipment hiding inside your walls can play a central role in the heating of your home.
Dirty filters will obstruct the flow of air, forcing your heating system to work harder, which will also result in higher utility bills and even a colder home. In addition, clogged filters can create health problems such as cold-like symptoms. The good news, however, is that these filters are easy to replace, and keeping them in good condition will serve you well even after the wintertime.
Don’t Invite Rodents Inside
You’re not the only one trying to stay warm this winter. The mice, raccoons, and other rodents in your neighborhood are avoiding the cold too. Unlike you, they don’t have a central heating system or multiple blankets to keep them warm.
The cold temperatures outside will cause all kinds of furry animals to try to get into your home. You’ll want to make sure your home is protected against rodents and pests by tidying up after every meal and not leaving crumbs to lure them inside. Make sure to also have some mouse traps nearby.
Don’t Use Faulty Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors are some of the most underappreciated appliances in your home. They do a very important job of keeping you and your loved ones safe, especially from dangers you otherwise wouldn’t notice.
Smoke detectors do more than alert you when there’s a fire. They can detect carbon monoxide in your home, a colorless and odorless gas known as “the silent killer.” Carbon monoxide poisoning is particularly common during the winter because this particular gas can be produced by stoves and other appliances used to generate combustible fumes. Make sure your smoke detector has working batteries; if you don’t already have a fire detector, your local fire department might be able to install one for free.
Don’t Misuse Space Heaters
Space heaters are a hot commodity in the cold season – literally. These portable, convenient devices can provide warmth at the touch of a button. However, they can easily be mishandled and become a threat to your home. Don’t use space heaters overnight. They’re not meant to be used for long periods of time because they can cause fires. In addition, avoid placing space heaters near blankets or any other materials that could catch fire. Last but not least, don’t use space heaters that show signs of decay, such as frayed insulation or cut wires.