Posts Tagged :

how to reduce your energy bill

1024 683 |

Holiday House Safety Tips

Holiday House Safety Tips

The time we look forward to all year has finally arrived. The holidays are wonderful for many different reasons, but it certainly can be a busy time of year. Between wrapping presents and preparing a holiday feast it’s easy to let your guard down. They are a few precautionary steps you can take to ensure you and your family’s safety so you can make sure nothing interferes with spending quality time together:

1. Reposition the tree

Think about the position of your Christmas tree and make sure it is kept away from all power and heat sources. Keeping it hydrated is another important step in making it less flammable, or you could opt for an artificial tree to reduce the maintenance.

2. Use the fireplace with care

Make sure your fireplace is in good working condition and clean before sparking it up for the holiday season. Invest in a guard to keep children and pets safe from the flames.

Another important reminder is to not burn wrapping paper. Many types of wrapping paper give off toxic fumes when burned. Paper also burns very quickly so there is the danger that the flames may enter the chimney and ignite creosote deposits.

3. Keep pets away from plants

It’s always a good rule of thumb to check if your house plants can be toxic to animals, especially around the holidays when it’s tradition to hang plants such as mistletoe and holly. Here’s a handy list of toxic plants to be mindful of.

4. Cook with caution

Holiday cooking can be overwhelming, but it’s important to be present when food is cooking. Do not leave anything unattended and make sure to double check that all devices are turned off.

5. Inspect christmas lights

Christmas lights can endure a lot of damage being stowed away in boxes all year and it’s best you check their state before hanging. Replace any bulbs that have burnt out and consider putting them on a timer to reduce your hydro bill.

6. Test smoke alarm

Testing your smoke alarm is one of the most important things you can do this holiday season. With all the cooking and lights we can expect this time of year, it is top priority that your fire alarm is in working condition.

7. Climb safely

If you’re using a ladder this year to hang lights or dress the tree then make sure you have the right one for the job. Double check for a certification mark to ensure your ladder complies with applicable standards. It also never hurts to have someone nearby when climbing a ladder, especially when working outside in cold and wet weather conditions.

Start the holiday festivities knowing your home – and your family – is protected with these holiday house safety tips. It may be another thing to add to the growing to-do list, but it could save you from some serious mishaps.

Wishing you a safe and happy holidays!

 

981 1024 |

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter & Reduce Your Heating Bill

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter & Reduce Your Heating Bill

The thought of winter around the corner isn’t always pleasant, but there are a number of ways you can lessen the stress that comes along with colder weather. Something you might want to consider is ‘winterizing’ your home, which will keep it at optimal condition throughout the season and also help you save on your heating bill. Here are a few ways you can prepare your home for winter and reduce your heating bill:

Use weatherstripping around doors and windows

Weatherstripping around doors and windows not only keeps chilly drafts out, but it also prevents energy-wasting air leaks. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to keep the hot air in, and the cold air out. You can pick up a weatherstrip kit at your local hardware store and install it yourself.

If you are already use weatherstripping around the house then it’s worth it to double check that it’s still in good condition. Wear and tear on weatherstrips and door sweeps could allow that cold air to seep in.

Opt for heavier drapes and rugs

If you’re really serious about preserving the heat in your home then you might want to consider investing in heavier drapes and rugs. Cold floors will have you rushing to turn up the heat, but a rug can certainly lessen this uncomfortable concern.

As for drapes, good quality material can help seal in a draft. And if you really want to take it to the next level then there are even insulated curtains you can purchase. These will certainly have a positive impact on your heating bill.

Consider a water heater blanket

If you have an older hot water tank, chances are, it’s not insulated. Uninsulated hot water tanks are subject to standby heat losses which will contribute to your heating bill. Investing in a pre-cut jacket or blanket for your hot water tank can save you money on your bill. With the money you’ve saved, this inexpensive hack will pay for itself in about a year.

Inspect roof, gutters, and down sprouts

Protect your home from unruly weather by checking these three things: your roof, gutters, and downsprouts. If there’s a need for extra insulation in the attic, it will prevent warm air from creeping in and causing ice dams. Worn tiles or shingles should be replaced and gutters and downspouts should be cleared of debris. You can even go the extra step and install leaf guards on the gutters or extensions on the downspouts to direct water away from the home.

Prepare an emergency kit

Make sure you are always prepared for a power outage. Stock your cabinet with nonperishable food supplies, blankets, candles or flashlights, and a first aid kit, just in case. Another great tip is to have the phone numbers for your utility companies on hand, so you can give them a call if you need to.

Inspect furnace and fireplace

Last but certainly not least is to call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean the ducts. It’s very important to ensure everything is in working condition before the cold weather hits.

You might also consider investing in a programmable thermostat, which can keep a consistent temperature in your home as well as help you save on your energy bill.

Get your fireplace ready by making sure your chimney is properly cleaned. It’s good practice to cap or screen the top of the chimney and inspect the fireplace damper as well.

Winter can be rough, but it doesn’t have to take a toll on your home. Try a few of these tips and see how they work for you this season.

Get ready for winter with RHMH’s pre-season maintenance package that includes hot water tank and furnace service.