Smart Decisions to Make to Keep Your Nashville Home Warm in the New Year

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

Stay warm when temperatures fall without breaking the bank!

Winter weather creates challenges for Nashville home owners who want to stay warm, especially during power outages and extreme cold. There are smart ways and not-so-smart ways to achieve this. SERVPRO of Belle Meade has some tips for staying warm while reducing the risk of a house fire.

Before winter begins, have a home heating professional or HVAC service the furnace and fireplace. Finding and fixing problems ahead of time ensures safe and reliable heat in all but the most extreme circumstances. Now is the time to consider professionally installing stationary space heaters which area safer alternative than portable models.

Small “do-it-yourself” projects completed before the thermometer plummets can save money while allowing you to keep the house warmer. An inexpensive and easy project is installing thin foam sheets behind the cover plates of electrical outlets and wall switches. Home improvement stores sell pre-cut sheets to fit nearly any outlet at an affordable price. It may not seem like much, but this will save a surprising amount of heat.

Filling gaps around door and window frames stops heat from leaking from a house. Foam or putty can be pushed into the gaps in a matter of minutes, reducing heat loss and drafts. A can of spray foam can handle bigger gaps under cupboards and in the basement or attic.

Installing insulation in the attic and walls is a bigger project requiring more time and money. Plan to do this during the warm-weather months, and you’ll reap the benefits when it is cold.

If time has run out, portable space heaters can be a godsend if the power goes out during a severe storm. You can keep one or two rooms reasonably comfortable. Unfortunately, these heaters are one of the leading causes of house fires when used incorrectly. For safety's sake, only use recommended fuel types in gas-powered models, and buy only UL-rated electric heaters.

General safety tips include locating portable heaters at least three feet away from anything that can catch fire. This includes upholstered furniture, wall art, storage containers and electrical cords. Turn off the heater when it is not needed or when nobody is available to monitor it, especially at night when everyone is sleeping. Keep children and pets three feet away from the heaters at all time.

Short-term and long-term projects can keep your home warm and safe even in the worst of weather.