Prepare for Winter with These Energy-Saving Tips

December 14, 2015

It’s coming. You can feel it in the stiffness 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 begun to fall 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 tips from Coastal Service Experts.

1. Ensure comfort and safety this winter.

In a recent survey Coastal Service Experts discovered that 66.5% of people didn’t know if they would recognize the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. This is a massive problem, 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. some of the symptoms are listed below:

  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) suggests having your heating system professionally inspected and serviced regularly to make sure the system is running 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 lost. A few reasons to invest in a humidifier are:

  • Humidifiers help moisturize your nasal passages, aiding to relieve congestion and sinusitis and keeping irritating nose bleeds and respiratory infections far off.
  • Sleeping with a humidifier can help improve itchy, dry skin and help clear up severe skin irritations, such as eczema and psoriasis.
  • The lack of moisture in the air helps with beyond just your skin. If wooden furniture or floors get too dried out, they could start to split, and paint and wallpaper may crack or peel. Buying a humidifier to your home could help to keep assist in keeping necessary 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, utilizing a humidifier puts moisture throughout the home and helps you feel warmer at decreased temperatures, which helps save money on your energy bill.

3. Use your oven. Bake some bread.

When you catch get cabin fever this winter, tie on 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 provide delectable treats, but be 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 risk when left open and turned on.

4. Inspect your attic insulation level.

An easy way to stay warm and assist with energy savings is to ensure your attic is well-insulated. According to the Department of Energy, a properly insulated attic can save you anywhere from 10% to 50% off your heating bill. If your attic insulation isn’t sufficient, you can lose heat through the attic which causes your heating system to run more 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 stand to save some money right after the holidays?

5. Seal entry points around your roof.

Winter brings on a lot of problems – bad 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. Prevent 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 912-208-2399.

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