What do you like the most in winter? Are family and friends over for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve?
Do you like to be comfortable in blankets in front of the fireplace? Do you like to know that your family and home are safe when you look out the window at the first snow of the season?
There is so much to love about winter. Nevertheless, there is something strange about it.
When it’s cold outside and the temperature is dropping, your home is at risk of damage. For example, frozen water in your pipes can cause them to burst.
When all the windows and doors are closed you can put your family in danger. Carbon monoxide can leak inside your home, especially if you have an oil-burning furnace or garage where you let your cars heat up.
A severe blizzard could land you in trouble for the police and fire department if you had an emergency. Are you ready for winter?
We have three tips to keep you and your family safe during the winter season. It starts with having a professional come in to inspect your furnace.
Furnace
You should get your furnace inspected every year. When was the last time you had your professional inspection?
If you’re like most people, it’s probably been a while. But there are many good reasons to service it right now.
A professional will ensure that your furnace belt does not rust and airflow is not blocked. This can save you a lot of money by preventing costly, emergency repairs or high utility bills.
They will do an amp-draw test on the blower motor to make sure it is working properly. They will check electrical connections to make sure they are secure, so the unit is working efficiently and not a fire hazard.
carbon monoxide detector
Your home is comfortable when it is tightly closed. Your windows and doors are locked and locked. They are secured with additional sealant so that cold air stays out.
That’s great, but it also leaves your home open to a hazard: carbon monoxide. It’s an odorless gas that can be deadly when floating in large quantities around your home.
This is a real hazard in any home, but especially if you have an attached garage or fuel-burning device. For example, you may have an oil-burning furnace or a wood-burning fireplace.
First, make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector. You should keep it near your bedroom.
Second, once installed, make sure it is working. Most detectors look and work like a smoke detector. There is usually a button on the front of the detector to make sure it is working.
home security system
There is nothing better than peace of mind. If you’re like most people, you’ll do whatever it takes to keep your family and your belongings safe.
One way to do this is with a home security system. Do not panic!
We’re not talking about those old-fashioned systems that require a technician to do the wiring in your home. What’s the good in that wire anyway when a criminal can do just one piece in seconds?
Modern home security systems can be installed by you in about an hour. Our sponsor SimplySafe’s home security system is wireless.
The best part of SimplySafe is that it provides multiple layers of security. You will know that your family is safe from domestic threats as well as intruders.
SimplySafe has entry sensors that will notify you if an uninvited person is walking around your home. Motion sensors provide full-room coverage with a 90-degree field of vision up to 30 feet.
Simplycam security camera detects motion and alerts you wherever you are. You can watch HD video on your computer, smartphone or tablet.
There’s also a glass-break detector and water sensor to alert you when your home is flooded. At this time of year, the freeze sensor comes in handy.
SimplySafe Freeze Sensor will alert you if the temperature in your home drops below 41 degrees. You will receive a phone call or text message.
Note: Do not place your freeze sensor in the garage or anywhere in your home that regularly drops to 45 degrees or below.
Thanks to SimliSafe, you can protect your family from many dangers. Incredibly, it costs less than $15 per month.
Make sure your SimplySafe system is working properly this winter. You’ll want to test each system.
On your SimplySafe keypad, select option number 5. That’s test mode.
You can test your alarm. You will see a test prompt on your dashboard.
Motion sensor: To test this, press “Test.” Leave the room for a few seconds. When you come back in, it will say, “Motion sensor.”
Glassbreak sensor: Press “Test,” then clap your hands near the window. You’ll hear, “Glassbreak sensor.”
Entry sensor: You will hear an “entry sensor” when you open and close windows and doors equipped with entry sensors.