According to Jon Snow, “winter is coming.” And he’s quite right. You do not have to be a fan of his villainy to heed his warning. And what should you do with this information?
The answer is this; make the necessary adjustments and preparations in your home. Wintertime is a wonderful and whimsical season, most especially if you live where there’s snowfall. But you must face the coming of winter as prepared as an Unsullied soldier hired by Daenerys to face a high-stake battle.
We’re not saying that winter is a battleground. But it could very well be if you neglected to do these essentials.
Make sure your boiler’s working just fine
The world is on fire. That does not mean you have outgrown the need for a reliable heating system. Seasons still change. You need something to keep you warm come cold nights and days.
Your heating system’s performance will hinge on the decisions you’ve made from the get-go. If your newly installed boiler was on point, you won’t encounter much trouble. Now, what constitutes an on-point boiler installation?
Your installed furnace should be just right for your space size-wise? It should neither be too small nor too big for its serviced space. Both scenarios result in a waste of energy. They will also cause your system startup troubles. These disturbances will eventually wear it down.
Where you choose to install your furnace proves crucial too. The location should provide adequate air intake, preexisting vent, reliable energy source, and sufficient space. While it’s tempting to place your furnace in the same room as other energy-consuming equipment you want out of sight, beware of overheating.
Check your doors and windows
There shouldn’t be any cracks or gaps in your doors and windows. These will let out heat that’s supposed to warm the house’s interior. That’s a waste of energy right there, and it could also potentially put your heating system in trouble. If you notice that one of your doors or windows does not shut as tightly as it should, do the necessary repair.
If repair’s not yet doable, use duct tape on the gaps and cracks as a sealant. Remember that such an approach is only a temporary remedy.
Purchase an air humidifier
Winter is notorious for drying out the air. That is most noticeable within heated houses and buildings. Air that’s too dry can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. It also dries the skin.
To avoid those inconveniences, outfit your home with an air humidifier. The goal is to keep air moisture between 30 and 50 percent during winter.
Rugs and curtains and textiles galore
Do you have thick rugs and carpets you’ve been hiding in the closet for a special occasion? Winter’s that special occasion so take those out from their hiding place. Keep your feet feeling spoiled with warm and soft fabric all over the house.
It’s time to hang those thick curtains too. No winter’s too cold when you have chunky curtains protecting you from frost on the windows.
If you have spare thick blankets, have some of them out of your sleeping quarters. Your living room could do with one or two of those blankets, too.
Fill your pantry
Winter’s the best time for comfort food. You will need all the fat and starch you can get. So make sure your pantry’s well stocked with all the essentials.
Do a grocery run before the temperature’s dip. Have a list of everything you need so you do not miss a single item. Have enough supplies for all kinds of pies, soups, pancakes, and savory dishes.
The goal is to keep your grocery runs at a minimum throughout winter. That way you’re staying as far away from trouble as possible.
Fill your first-aid kit
The winter season is flu season. Be prepared with a well-stocked first-aid kit. Yours should have painkillers, antihistamines, cough medicine, antiseptic cream, and a thermometer, among others. For a more detailed list, you may want to check this out.
This coming winter is unlike the previous winter seasons we’ve had. We’re in the midst of a global pandemic brought about by a virus that’s suspected to thrive in cold weather. With that in mind, extra precaution is necessary. As they say, it’s better safe than sorry.
Avoid going inside as much as you can. Stay indoors and enjoy the comforts of your home. Make a hot cup of tea or cocoa and catch up on your reading while snuggled in a thick warm blanket. If you’ve done all the recommendations we’ve listed above, you’re sure to have a great time.
