Make sure this year’s winter checklist is complete

Texas is relatively “safe” when it comes to the brutal winters that can snow in and trap people in the northern parts of the USA. But that doesn’t mean we don’t experience some seasonal changes here.

Every few years, we do get snow, and it’s not unheard of for ice storms and other precipitation to hit the area. That’s why when we get to this part of the year; it’s still a good idea to think of some winter preparations.

MAKE SURE YOUR ALARMS ARE WORKING

Any alarm, like your fire alarm, is important for protecting your home all year round. However, some alarms, like carbon monoxide alarms, are especially important during the winter season if you have a furnace heating your home.

Furnaces don’t have to break down completely to malfunction. Incomplete combustion is when some breakdown in the furnace still generates heat, but also produces carbon monoxide that then leaks into your home.

Because carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and eventually lethal, only an alarm can prevent people in your home from getting sick once it starts leaking. Get a carbon monoxide alarm if you don’t already have one.

HAVE YOUR INSULATION & VENTILATION CHECKED

Insulation can mean the difference between big heating and cooling bills throughout the year, and an energy efficient home where even turning up the heat doesn’t bump up the bill too much.

Check your insulation in your roof, and, if you don’t have any in your walls, considering getting installed there. Blown cellulose makes a huge impact on your heating bills and can even help to reduce noise.

You ventilation is another important aspect of your HVAC system. It’s a good idea to occasionally have someone inspect and clean your vents.

This way, both hot and cold air flow unobstructed into every room in your home. A clear duct also means that no one is breathing in possible harmful matter like mold, which can sometimes settle in ducts and then send spores throughout the home every time air is circulated. Try to also keep both exhausts and air intakes clear as well to ensure that you’re getting the most operational efficiency from your HVAC systems.

Fort Worth, TX usually doesn’t have to worry about getting snowed in. But winter does hit, and things do cool down a little in this area. Following this checklist helps you to have a safer, warmer, more energy efficient winter season.