It’s cold these days in the tri-state region and right now between the low temperatures and COVID-19 more people are working from home and spending time in-doors than ever.
So if you’re going to be spending this much time inside, of course you want home to be cozy, comfortable, healthy, and maybe even shave some dollars off your energy bill if you can manage it. We’re here to help. In this article we examine a few ways you can keep your home, your wallet, and your family in tip top condition this winter.
Tip #1 – Check your window seals.
Take a look at all of your windows and make sure that the seals around them are still intact and air-tight. This will help you keep the warm air in and cold air out this winter, ultimately reducing your heating bills.
Tip #2 – What shape is your insulation in?
Insulation helps you to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer which means that it’s actually a smart upgrade for any season. But if you live in an older home or haven’t checked on the state of your insulation in recent years, take a moment to have a look. If it’s looking pretty sparse you may be able to call in a company to help insulate your house better or you may be able to DIY it for a lot less. Either way, good insulation = lots of energy savings all year long.
Tip #3 – Consider an air purifier and/or humidifier
To be clear, there are no air purifiers on the market which have been specifically tested for protecting against COVID-19. BUT, you absolutely can get an air purifier for your home which uses a HEPA filter. HEPA filters catch 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is smaller than the size of most airborne pathogens, including COVID-19. If someone in your family is high-risk for the virus, getting an air purifier isn’t a bad investment. Plus, it also helps with allergies and can even help eradicate odors in the home. There are some great options on Amazon in a variety of price ranges, including this one from Winix. If you’re high risk or have other health conditions, consider getting a purifier that’s certified for asthma and allergies, like this one from Dyson.
As a bonus, consider getting a humidifier, too. This won’t help with reducing risk for COVID-19, but since winter air in our region is very dry, it will help anyone in the home who suffers from sinus issues, dry skin, and more to stay comfortable during the colder months. Check out this super-sleek, ultra-quiet, and affordable humidifier from Kyvol.
Tip #4 – Clean out your dryer vent.
Clogged dryer vents are the #1 cause of house fires in the United States. While checking your dryer vent periodically is always a good idea, sometimes this flies under the radar during the colder months. Luckily, having your dryer vent cleaned is relatively inexpensive, helps your clothing get cleaner and drier, and can save you money on your energy bills (and your insurance by preventing fires). It also means you’ll be able to get those cozy sweaters 100% dry every time, helping you bundle up against the cold.
Tip #5 – Have your ductwork cleaned!
Come on, you knew this was coming, right? We know we’re a duct cleaning company and we know this is a bit of a shameless plug, but hear us out. In the winter when all your windows are shut tight and your furnace is constantly running a few things happen:
- The air in your home dries out, irritating your skin and nose
- Your nose and skin are then more susceptible to other irritants, like allergens
- Whatever’s in that air is building up and constantly recirculting, which means that you are more likely to have allergens, dust, and dust mites in your system (plus the possibility of recirculating COVID-19)
Maybe none of this bothers you. Or maybe you had your ductwork cleaned recently. If so, then this advice may not apply to you. But if you have allergies, certain skin or health conditions, a suppressed immune system, are worried about COVID-19 infection, and/or haven’t had your ductwork cleaned in a long time then you may want to consider making an appointment.
Having your ductwork cleaned ensures that you and your home stay healthy this winter (at the height of cold season in the middle of a pandemic, no less) and can help your home be more energy-efficient, too. This can save you money that would be better spent on your family instead (go buy your kids some games to keep them busy since no one’s going out and doing much).
So call today and let us help you check this item off your to-do list!
(513)737-3200