Surviving the Winter Months

Winter and its colder temperatures are here. Some areas are seeing a lot of snow.

Hopefully, you planned ahead and winterized your home before it got cold. If not, it's probably not too late to do a few things that can help keep you warmer and possibly save you some money on your heating bills. There are things you can do around the house that will help.  I'll share some of these with you.

Once you've done all you can to prepare the house, next there are things you can do yourself to stay warm.  I'll share some of the ways you can do this as well.

Be sure to remember to winterize your pets and vehicles.  I'll share ways you can do that as well.

Some things you can do around the house to help you survive the winter months:

• Adjust the thermostat-You can save as much as 20% a year on your heating costs by turning your thermostat down 7-10 degrees for 8 hours. Particularly when you're away from home, cut your thermostat down. Programmable thermostats work great for helping you to remember to do this.
• Regularly replace or clean the furnace filters. Most recommend that you replace them at least once every three months. I would check them monthly. If your filter is clogged, it will reduce the air flow and make the unit have to work harder which costs your more money. It can also lead to damage to the compressor. Be sure you know the size before buying since they vary greatly.
• Check for drafts around windows. Most heat loss is around the windows and doors of a home. Lined drapes work well as a barrier. When the sun reaches a window of your house, open the blinds and curtains to allow the sun to naturally heat your home. You'll also want to close the blinds and drapes when the sun is not coming in, particularly on the north side of your house.
• Consider adding insulation to your attic.
• Check your furnace and/or heaters for leaks. If you use propane, make sure the tank has propane.
• Check around the house for gaps where air can get in. Plug holes with silicone caulk from the outside. Add weather-stripping and door sweeps to doors. Larger holes can be filled with insulating foam that comes in a spray can. This stuff can be tricky to use until you realize how much it expands after you spray it. Just remember a little goes a long way.
• Close off unused areas of your house. You can close off the vents to these rooms and place a towel or draft guard beneath the closed door. No need in heating up a room that no one is in.
• Disconnect your outside water hoses and store them away. Wrap all exposed pipes.
• Be sure to bring in any plants unable to withstand the cooler temperatures

Once you've done everything you can to winterize your house, now it's time to consider other ways you can stay warm.  Every year people die from housefires caused by improper methods for heating their homes.  Don't be one of them.  Please be safe.

• Dress in layers. Wear comfy clothes, but dress in layers. This helps hold in your body warmth.
• Wear socks and a toboggan. (A toboggan is a knit cap to those of us in Texas.) You lose a lot of body heat out of your head and feet. Keeping them warm will help tremendously.
• Use an electric blanket. Be sure to read the manufactor's directions and monitor the usage of them well though. Never lay on top of one, They can overheat. I don't recommend them for children.
• Drink warm liquids. I have some recipes for hot chocolate and hot lemonade.
• Visit the mall, friends or relatives.  Go to somewhere where you can take advantage of someone else's heating. 
• Eat stews and soups.  These are filling and will warm you.

Winter can be harsh on your vehicle and winter is the worst time to have your vehicle let you down. Here are a few tips for winterizing your vehicle:

• Make sure your battery is performing as it should. Extreme temperatures seem to strain a battery.
• Check your windshield wipers and wiper fluid.
• Wash and wax your vehicle to help prevent road grime, ice and sludge from building up on your vehicle.
• Have the antifreeze checked in your radiator.
• Apply, and keep on hand, de-icer and de-fogger to help improve visibility.
• Check your tire pressure.

(I have written a hub about Rain-X products that are great for helping you winterize your vehicle.)

When winterizing around your home, think about your pets.

• Make sure their habitat is a place that is warm and dry. Put down old blankets, towels or hay. Check it often to make sure it's staying dry.
• Make sure the opening of a doghouse is NOT facing the north wind.
• Check their water regularly to make sure it's not empty or frozen.
• Check on your pet to make sure they are fairing well. A sick pet will deteriorate quickly in cold temperatures.
• Do NOT put a light bulb out for warmth. So many people try this and although it seems like a good idea, so many fires have been caused from this.
• On particularly harsh nights, find alternative shelter for your pet such as the garage or a utility room. If you can, bring them into the house. Be sure to safeguard the new location.