The weather has changed quickly where I live in the northeastern part of the country. I thought this would be a good time to help you get ready for the cold months ahead by giving you Quick Tips For A Better Space - your home.
There are many things to consider this time of year. You not only need to dress yourself in warmer clothes, but you need to dress your home as well. If not, you are not taking care of your biggest investment and throwing your hard-earned money down the drain.
Here are some suggestions to winterize your home:
Clean and check the heating filters and system for efficiency. Change your filter and check for leaks in the system to ensure your system is working at it's best. Call in a contractor if necessary.
Check all water faucets to ensure there are no leaks or rusting.
Have your fireplace/chimney inspected, serviced and cleaned. It can be a fire hazard. This small investment in your safety is so important.
If you did not already do so when we changed the clocks in October, replace the batteries in your smoke detectors. Most fires are started in the winter by candles and faulty wiring. If something should happen, you need to make sure you can get yourself and your family out of the house as quickly as possible. Remember to practice your escape plan!
Install a carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home - they are not expensive but can prevent carbon monixide poisoning from car exhaust from the car stored in the garage, the heater, the oven, etc. With the home closed up for the winter months, this is especially important for the health and safety of your family.
Check the weather stripping and check for drafts around windows and doors to ensure functionality. You can lose a lot of heat through your windows and doors if this is not done which can cost you greatly when you receive that utility bill.
Replace and check your fire extinguishers. Make sure the meter is where it's supposed to be. If not, get it recharged. Remember to keep one on each floor, especially in the kitchen. A small one under the sink in the cabinet is a great place to store it.
Prepare An Emergency Kit:
In the cold winter months, have a plan and an emergency kit. Your electricity can go out. A large snow fall or other condition could cause your family to be confined to the home. Here are things a good emergency kit should contain:
Indoor candles and flashlights for light - just don't leave those candles unattended!
A supply of drinking water and non-perishable food.
A manual can opener to open those cans in case the electricity goes out for an extended period of time.
An emergency weather radio to keep you informed on the latest conditions in your area. (battery operated, of course.)
A supply of extra batteries and perhaps a generator for back-up supply.
Lots of warm blankets to keep you warm in case you lose your heat.
To occupy your time, have books and board games accessible since the television and other electronics might not be working.
Lastly, when it comes to energy efficiency during these long winter months, you might want to consider wrapping the hot water heater with a blanket. This helps improve efficiency and can cut down on your utility bill. That heater can really drive up your bill so any extra savings can really help your budget! Insullation for the water heater can be purchased at your local home improvement store or online and has do-it-yourself instructions.
Enjoy the coming winter months and take good care of yourself and your home.
In the meantime, if you have any organizing questions or problems you would like me to address, please feel free to contact me at A BETTER SPACE. I'll be glad to help.
