How to Survive Winter

Winter can be a magical season filled with fun days playing in the snow and lazy evenings spent in front of a crackling fire. But winter can also be fraught with trouble as frigid temps and icy conditions wreak havoc on our homes. Yet, you don’t have to fall victim to Old Man Winter’s assault. Check out our list of 6 smart solutions that can help you prepare for and endure the snow, ice, and cold…both indoors and out.

Leak and Freeze Detectors – Imagine detecting – and stopping – a leak before it causes serious damage. Well, with a leak and freeze detector, you can. Installed wherever an appliance or pipe can potentially leak or freeze, these detectors sound an alarm when freezing temps are approaching or at the first sign of a water leak.

Roof and Gutter De-Icing Cables – Snow or ice on your roof may not be a problem now but can quickly become one when it starts to melt. You see, if your gutters aren’t cleared, they can form an ice dam. Once melting snow bumps into the dam, it has nowhere to go. So, when it starts to melt, it can end up in your attic. You can prevent ice dams by strategically placing de-icing cables in areas prone to ice buildup.

Whole-House Humidifier – Winter and dry air go hand in hand. But with a whole-house humidifier working for you, you can add much-needed moisture to your air to prevent all kinds of problems like dry skin, chapped lips, static electrical shock, and respiratory issues exacerbated by dry air.

Heat Tape – It’s always a good idea to shut off the water supply to outdoor spigots to prevent them from freezing, but what about protecting those pipes if they’re located in unheated spaces like your basement or garage? Heat tape easily and securely wraps around PVC or metal pipes and, with its self-regulating thermostat, it will keep your pipes from getting too hot or freezing even in the most frigid temps.

Embrace the Cold Air – Despite the cold weather, it’s important to get outside and breathe the fresh air. You’ll be refreshed, invigorated, and refueled.

Consume More Vitamin D – During spring and summer, our bodies get vitamin D naturally from sunlight. If you spend a lot more time indoors during the winter, consider taking a vitamin D supplement to promote bone health, help prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD), protect against respiratory infections, and more.

Stay Warm – If the power goes out, temperatures can drop significantly. Make sure to keep all doors to the outside shut. Use towels to block drafts coming in from window and door cracks. You also can insulate windows with black blankets which draw heat from the sun.

Yes, some effort is involved to help you make the most of winter, but doesn’t it beat sitting back and suffering? Another thing that makes winter more bearable is a heating system that doesn’t let you down. If it’s been a year or longer since you last had your furnace cleaned and inspected, we encourage you to contact Bob Boldt HVAC today to schedule service. You’ll love the added comfort and peace of mind it provides.