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As winter intensifies, homeowners must be equipped to protect their homes and families from the blistering cold. Winter presents numerous hazards to your house, such as sunken gutters due to snow buildup, damaged piping systems, and clogged gutters. Here are five home safety hacks that can help prepare your home for winter.
Unplug Space Heaters at Night
Nothing is more enjoyable in winter than snuggling with the heater on. However, experts warn that leaving the heater overnight can put you at risk. Aside from the other negative skin reactions you stand to get, it can increase carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide is a deadly chemical compound that can kill if ingested in large quantities. It can increase the risk of asphyxia (sleep death) and limit the supply of oxygen in the room, which eventually affects the brain and other organs of the body.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Since winter reduces the environmental temperature, the running water in your pipes and faucet can expand and even damage your piping system at home. Hence, it is important to prevent frozen pipes at home by inspecting every pipeline occasionally.
You can also prevent frozen pipes by disconnecting your garden hoses and insulating your pipes against the cold. Many homeowners insulate their pipes by wrapping them in heat tape or thermostat-controlled heat cables that can be gotten at Walmart.
Maintain Heating Equipment
Your heating equipment must undergo routine checks by a professional technician to ensure it performs optimally. Routine checks help prevent further damages that can gulp a lot of money. You can also perform routine checks at home before the arrival of a professional.
Start by checking the thermostat for problems like short cycling. Check and replace your HVAC air filters to improve your home’s quality and enjoy efficient heat circulation. Clean the internal vents properly, and don’t forget to clean any outside units from time to time.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of death in many homes. This silent killer reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream. It reacts with the CO bonds in hemoglobin and depletes oxygen circulation.
Ensure you place your combustion devices away from your home. Also, check out your chimney and have your furnace ductwork checked by a professional. The best way to prevent Carbon monoxide poisoning is to install a CO alarm in your home.
Avoid Snow Shoveling Injuries
Shoveling snow can be a good exercise but can also put you in danger if done incorrectly. Before shoveling your pathway, ensure you are dressed correctly to protect your hands and feet from frostbite.
Shovel the snow when it’s fresh, and wear anti-slip shoes while you do so. Use the right equipment and follow safety procedures as you plow and lift the snow. To reduce your risk of having an accident, warm up properly before you start serving to prepare your joints.