Disclosure: I will receive a gift card in exchange for my blog post. No other compensation was exchanged or received. The below opinions are not those of Heather Kelly or Airplanes and Dragonflies blog.
(my own image)
Winter is finally here and for
many Americans, it’s time to bundle up and stay indoors! Whether you
have a favorite down quilt to bury yourself in or love sitting by the
wood-burning fireplace, keeping warm is key this Winter! To ensure a
wonderful and cozy winter season, licensed contractor and TV
home-improvement expert David Leon from
Home Made Simple on the
Oprah Winfrey Network has provided the following tips to help make your home as comfy as possible this season.
- Heating system and air filters
– Have your heating system serviced every year and check the filters
system every month. Also, inspect your system’s exhaust vent for rust,
damage, or any corrosion.
- Seal the leaks –
Check to make sure your doors and windows are properly sealed so heat
doesn’t escape. Inspect caulking and weather stripping around openings
for wear and tear, and replace if necessary.
- Plumbing –
Busted water pipes can cause expensive damage. Take time now to wrap
outside pipes that might be exposed to extreme temperatures. Review the
locations for the main water and fuel shut-off valves with all members
of your household.
- Have a plan -
When you own a home, you know that things are going to break down – but
when it happens, do you know who you’ll call or what you’ll do? A home
warranty is a great way to protect your budget against costly repairs,
and save yourself the time and hassle of finding a qualified
professional to get major systems and appliances up and running again.
This winter, homeowners should
also be aware of important warning signs and potential heating system
hazards to protect their homes from any accidents! In 2011, faulty and
improperly used heating equipment accounted for nearly 400 deaths
nationwide, more than 53,000 fires and $893 million in direct property
damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association. To help
prevent heating system hazards, be aware of the following critical signs
when you’re indoors this winter:
- Always be aware of gas odors. If you smell gas around your heating unit, leave the area and call your gas company immediately.
- Be sure your pilot light is burning a steady blue flame. If it is not, call your heating professional or a gas company.
- Take a close look at your
exhaust fan for any rust, damage or deterioration. If you notice any,
call a qualified professional and describe what you see to determine
whether a repair is needed.
- Take extra care with space heaters. They should be plugged directly
into a wall outlet, never into an extension cord, and turned off at
night. When in use, always be sure space heaters are a safe distance
from curtains and other flammable items
Along with these warning signs,
American Home Shield,
the nation’s leading provider of home protection plans, reminds
homeowners to use extra care when operating space heaters. For instance,
they should be plugged directly into a wall outlet, never into an
extension cord, and turned off at night. When in use, always be sure
space heaters are a safe distance from curtains and other flammable
items.
Homeowners can watch helpful videos about a variety of home maintenance tips and home heating warning signs at
www.YouTube.com/TheAHSTeam. The informational videos are hosted by David Leon. American Home Shield also publishes the
Home Matters blog, a resource to help homeowners balance their busy lives with tips and news on everything home.
