Are freezing temperatures or extreme winter weather heading your way? Unusually cold temperatures affect people across the country this time of year and can leave many scrambling to stay warm.
Central heating systems are important, but when temperatures drop drastically with no warning, there are other ways to keep you comfortable. First of all, it’s a good idea to have a space heater available for quick, directed heat in specific rooms. Most of these inexpensive heaters are about as efficient as you can get–and can help save you money by keeping your thermostat at a lower temperature. Keep reading to see our tips for staying warm during an extreme cold front.
Consider a Space Heater
Extra heat is needed during extreme winter weather. But which one is right for you? Whether you’re looking for a compact heater to place on your floor or one that hangs on your wall, see if one of these heaters is the best option for you:
- Whole-Room Heat: Looking to warm an entire room? Then a convection heater is definitely one to check out. Many of these heaters are aided by fans and spread warmth across your room. Most are considered portable and can be moved from room to room, so you can keep it in your bedroom for extra warmth when sleeping, then move it to your living room or kitchen for daytime activities.
- Quiet Heating: For silent warmth in a bedroom or other space, consider a radiant heater which warms objects instead of the air and doesn’t dry out the air like fan-forced heaters. These include under-desk heaters which are perfect for keeping your feet cozy whether you’re working at home or in the office.
- Instant Warmth: Consider an infrared heater which uses infrared light waves–similar to the sun. Without using fans, they quickly heat objects, including you, and are great for arthritis and circulation which is why they’re used in spas and yoga studios. Just target yours right where you need it, and enjoy the warmth instantly.
- Garage Heaters: Even though it’s frigid outside, you don’t have to abandon projects in progress. Glance over our selection of garage and workshop heaters to find the ideal unit to keep your working space comfortable. With rugged exteriors and powerful heating capabilities, they can withstand the tough conditions in your garage–and you will too!
Other Tips to Stay Warm This Winter
If you already have a space heater or are looking for other ways to keep your home ready for freezing temperatures, consider these easy steps to weatherproof your home.
- Clean Gutters & Downspouts: Due to fallen leaves and debris clogging your gutters, water can build up under the leaves with the potential of causing a host of issues and costly repairs.
- Close Vents: Double check and close any vents that may have been opened up for warm weather.
- Check Insulation & Weatherstripping: A well-insulated attic keeps the air that you’ve paid to heat from escaping through the roof. A quick trip through your attic will let you know if insulation needs updating or replacing. Look around your doors and windows for obvious gaps where cold air can seep in and warm air escape, caulking or installing weatherstripping around problem areas.
- Schedule Heater Maintenance: Preventive maintenance service is worth the inconvenience and cost of a broken heating system when temperatures plunge. Check and replace dirty filters which can force your heater to work harder, reducing efficiency while spreading dust and other unwanted particles around your space. Check out our selection of furnace filters to find one that fits your model.
- Prepare Your Pipes: If your home has plumbing that passes through unheated spaces like basements, garages, or crawl spaces, insulate them with easy-to-apply foam sleeves to keep pipes from freezing as well as save money on water heating costs too. Outside, disconnect hoses from faucets and turn off the water, wrapping them in insulation or attaching covers available at most home improvement or hardware stores.
Have you noticed any surprisingly low temperatures in your areas and know any additional suggestions to deal with it? Let us know in the comments below!
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