5 Tips on How to Stay Warm and Cozy During the Holidays

Exposure to excessively low temperatures is not only uncomfortable, but it is also dangerous to your health. Frostbite, chilblain, and hypothermia are just some of the injuries associated with exposure to cold weather.

In order to avoid suffering from these injuries, you have your furnace that probably works round-the-clock, especially when winter is at its coldest.

Four Seasons Air Specialists is your friendly heating company in Grant MN that cares about you and your health. With that in mind, we’ve come up with some helpful tips to keep you warm during this cold season.

Dress for the weather.

Covering yourself with the right clothing is the easiest way to protect your body from the effects of cold weather. Just being strategic on what to wear is a huge step toward being comfortable without having to crank up the thermostat. Therefore, you should consider dressing up in layers, wearing warm clothes.

To properly dress for this season, there should be insulation between you and the environment. Layers are effective because they allow you to put on or take off clothing as you see fit.

Synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene are recommended for winter. You can use them for your base layer. Synthetics wick moisture away and insulate the body whether you’re dry or wet.  If you have long underwear, be sure to put them on. Try wool and silk for your second layer, which is also great for cold weather. Wool protects better and naturally resists odor. For your outer layer, be sure to wear thick fabrics, especially when the weather goes sub-zero. If at all possible, avoid cotton because it absorbs water and holds it next to your skin.

Go for insulated curtains.

Curtains may look like common household items, but when the right ones are used, they can help improve your comfort and save on monthly utility bills.

Insulated curtains are recommended during this season because they help prevent heat transfer, block light, and dampen noise. They are usually made up of four layers, including a high-density foam for insulating your windows, a vapor barrier, a reflective film, and a decorative outer layer.

They help protect your home from different types of heat loss such as conduction, convection, radiation, and infiltration, which take place through and around your windows. In other words, insulated curtains stop precious heat from being cooled or leaving your home.

Use a programmable thermostat.

If you’re still using a traditional, manual thermostat, not only are you missing out on greater comfort, but you’re also taking more effort to manage your home’s temperature.

A programmable thermostat can keep a consistent temperature throughout the home. Traditional thermostats will only get you within a few degrees of your desired temperature, which may not be stable in certain areas of your home.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, you can save anywhere from 10 to 30 percent on the space heating and cooling portion of their energy bills by upgrading to a programmable thermostat. Since a programmable thermostat is able to minimize your energy usage, it also lowers your system’s wear and tear, which ultimately saves you money on repairs.

Manage your furnace’s filter.

Regardless of the outside temperature, you should regularly check your filter. This part prevents dust and dirt from getting into the furnace. A dirty filter restricts airflow, diminishing the system’s efficiency and in extreme cases, which can cause the heat exchanger to overheat. If your filter is completely clogged, be sure to replace it. Filters are sold at fairly affordable prices, so in order for you to avoid costly repairs caused by dirty filters, replace them at least once per month, especially when your furnace works overtime.

Consider Professional Furnace Maintenance

While there are simple steps you can take to increase your comfort during this season, but there are also more complex measures that only a qualified technician can perform such as lubricating and calibrating your entire HVAC system. To ensure you stay warm and comfortable throughout the cold season, call Four Seasons Air Specialists. Our teams of HVAC experts are ready to help you achieve optimum comfort and keep you safe all year round. We are your reliable Mahtomedi furnace maintenance company.