Winter is just a season, but its name carries more than snow flurries. It means a special closeness with those you love most. It means soft, cozy sweaters, crackling fireplaces, and soul-warming cups of hot chocolate. But we all know winter can have a dark side: snow flurries, bone-biting chills, and electrical outages. And winter’s almost here, so there’s a lot to do! Here are 5 steps to prepare your home for the winter:
- Step 1: Layer Up
- Step 2: Get Some Firewood
Even in Florida, many homes still have fireplaces. And it’s a good thing too, as we native Floridians tend to feel the chill around 60 degrees. Stay warm this fall and winter by planning and getting some firewood. You can purchase it at most supermarkets, but if you want to warm yourself up, even more, you can chop your own, of course. (Pro tip: Don’t forget to open the flue in your fireplace when you first start a fire. It’s an easy thing to forget and a quick way to have your entire home coated in smoke and soot.) - Step 3: Stock Up on Food
We know that winter has a dark side. An ice storm can knock out your power for a while, making the food in your fridge go bad, depending on how long the power is out. You want to make sure you’re getting non-perishable food that you don’t have to heat up on an electric stove. - Step 4: Share the Warmth
You can get cozy this winter in other ways besides fireplaces, hot meals, and comfy sweaters. As you show love to the people in your life—by inviting them into your home, sharing meals with them, and giving them presents—you give off a little warmth. - Step 5: Inspect Your Furnace
Your furnace is the main source of heat in your home. You’ll want to make sure that it’s up to the task this chilly season! When you’re working with an electrical source of this magnitude or one that emits gas (depending on the type of furnace you have), you’ll want to contact a licensed HVAC professional to inspect your furnace for you. This isn’t something to DIY, as it can be dangerous to do on your own.
Break out the fall and winter wardrobe. You’ll need layers to stay warm and cozy during the cold side of this year. If you find that your warmer clothes from last year don’t fit, are out of style, or are too worn to wear, then it’s time to do some shopping. When you layer up, you’re less likely to crank the heat in your home, so this can save you some money on your energy bill. Consider shopping for new clothes an in-vestment!
Call American Air & Heat to have your furnace inspected and then have your furnace tuned up. It’s possible that during the inspection, we’ll discover that your unit needs repairs or even needs to be replaced. Don’t worry. We’ll quote you a fair price upfront, so there won’t be any surprises.
