The holidays are just around the corner, filled with friends, family, hot wassail, loads of turkey and perhaps the not so welcome winter chill. Forecasters are predicting a frigid winter this year for the Great Lakes region, which includes our great state of Ohio. When preparing your winter “to do” list you might want to add the following items (not so much fun as prudent):
- Check the batteries in your Carbon Monoxide Detector – This little plug-in device can literally be a life saver. Carbon monoxide can occur from any fuel burning appliance in the home, including your furnace, hot water tank, stove, fireplace and even the car in an attached garage.
- Have your furnace cleaned and checked – A properly tuned system can reduce your home’s operating costs up to 10% during the winter season.
- Change the furnace filter – A clean air filter in your furnace improves efficiency and air flow, resulting in more heat.
- Check your windows – Be sure to check your windows to make sure that they close tightly. Also check to see if there are any noticeable air leaks around the sill, if so use weather stripping or caulk to create a tight seal and prevent heat loss.
- Insulate your attic – If your attic is poorly insulated (less than 10” of insulation) you could be losing as much as 50% of your heat right through the roof. This can be one of the most cost effective ways to save on your energy bills this winter.
- Prepare now to save later – Gas prices are currently much lower than their peak of 2008 but are predicted to rise 10% to 14% this winter based on how cold it will be. Prepare now before the winter chill sets in so that you aren’t blindsided by large energy bills during the winter months.
By checking the above items off of your winter “to do” list, you can rest easy knowing that while the temperature drops and winds begin to blow, your home will be comfortable and filled with warmth this holiday season.
From all of us at Jennings Heating and Cooling, we wish you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Just for Fun…Did You Know?
Contrary to popular belief, the pilgrims were not the first to celebrate Thanksgiving in North America. The Spanish celebrated Thanksgiving in 1565 in Saint Augustine, Florida, more than 50 years before the Pilgrims began the tradition in 1621. The Thanksgiving Holiday became official when George Washington proclaimed the first nationwide Thanksgiving Holiday on November 26th, 1789, acknowledging with a grateful heart the many favors of our Almighty God.
God Bless America!
Mike Foraker, President, Jennings Heating Company
