See also: Fire-Proofing Your Home: A Handy Guide

When Should You Turn on Your Heat?

Every home is different. In less insulated homes with older windows and doors, heat can quickly escape which causes temperatures to drop much faster than they would in newer homes. Typically when someone asks when to turn on the heat, they’re trying to find a balance between comfort and energy savings. So when trying to decide if it’s time to turn the heat on, consider this:

The U.S. Department of Energy says that heating your home typically accounts for more than 40% of your utility bill. So, if cost savings are important to you, you should avoid turning on the heat too soon. Once the heat is on, it’s recommended to keep the thermostat as low as is comfortable while you’re home, and dropping it to as low as 55° when you’re sleeping or away. As a general rule of thumb. If it’s colder than that, turn on the heat.

Follow These Home Tips Before the Weather Gets Cold

The biggest risks that homeowners face come when temperatures get too cold typically have to do with fires, freezing pipes, or energy costs. We’ll show you how to deal with all three. Kicking on the furnace poses a fire risk, and freezing pipes can occur even in homes that are well-insulated. That’s why it’s important to make an effort in early fall of each year to prepare your home for the colder weather ahead.

To Prevent Furnace Fires

According to the National Fire Protection Association, over 350,000 house fires occur every year in the United States. Over 15% of these are caused by heating equipment like boilers and furnaces! Not only is keeping a maintained furnace important for saving energy, it could save your home!

Inspect Your Furnace

You should have your furnace inspected by an HVAC professional every year. Furnaces use fuel like natural gas, oil, or propane — all of which are highly flammable. A gas leakage could expose your home to fire risks and unsafe levels of carbon monoxide.

Clean Your Fireplace and Chimney

Wood burning fireplaces are a delightful way to bring your family together and also heat your home. If they aren’t properly cared for, however, they can pose a serious fire hazard. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends chimneys and fireplace be swept at ⅛” of sooty buildup. Too much soot building up in the chimney cause a fire that spreads.

Test Smoke Alarms and Replace Batteries

Testing smoke detectors is one of the simplest, but most overlooked fire safety measures. The U.S. Fire Administration says that smoke alarms should be tested every month. Batteries should then be replaced every year. If you have monitored smoke detectors through your alarm company, many of these are often self-testing. Contact your alarm company to see if yours are self testing or if you should be checking them monthly.

To Prevent Freezing Pipes

Sometimes the risks of house fires are overlooked, but every homeowner thinks about freezing pipes when winter rolls around. When water freezes it expands, which could cause pipes to burst. Bursting pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage, costing people thousands of dollars every year says the American Red Cross.

Drain Water from Outdoor Lines

Drain water of pipes in uninsulated areas of your home such as ones that run out to an exterior hose or outdoor faucet. Without the excess water in these pipes, you will leave room for the water to expand when it freezes.

Add Insulation

If you’re unable to shut off the water and drain these pipes, you can always add insulation using a pipe sleeve or heat tape. This can make all the difference in areas that might be exposed. If the weather is very cold, you could even allow the water to drip slightly to help prevent it from freezing. A little insulation goes a long way, but depending on the temperature, it might only be a short term fix.

Use a Smoke/Heat/Freeze Detector

A furnace malfunction can quickly cause home temperatures to drop. If you’ve ever had to hire a late night HVAC professional, you’ve experienced this first hand. When you’re home, you can do things such as run the water while waiting for repairs to prevent freezing. However, if you’re away on vacation, you might not know of the malfunction until you come home to a chilled home — and then it’s too late. A smoke/heat/freeze detector separates all three functions. So, you can be notified on your phone of rapid rises and falls in temperature as well as smoke.

To Prevent Ridiculous Energy Costs

Utility bills spike when the weather gets colder. Even when we wait until the last possible moment to crank up the heat, it’s still an added expense that everyone wants to avoid. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do now that will cut your energy costs significantly come winter.

Install a Connected Thermostat

Connected thermostats are programmable and can be controlled from your smartphone. They are smart. So they can turn down when you’re away and automatically adjust for comfort when you come home. On average, connected thermostats save our customers $10-$15 a month in energy costs — the energy efficiency is backed and tested by Energy Star.

Seal Drafty Windows

Older windows and doors can warp from years of use which causes cold air to leak through. Use caulking or weatherstrips around your windows to seal these gaps. You can also purchase window insulation kits to seal the entire window with plastic wrap. This not only helps save you money, but it’ll stop that draft and make the room feel significantly warmer.

It’s the Best Time to Prep Your Home

The best time to prepare for winter is in early fall before the temperatures get too cold. Just like you try to tackle all of your home renovation projects in the spring before it gets too hot, you have to avoid the elements. Once winter rolls around, you’ll be glad that you took the time to prepare your furnace, your pipes, and your windows. When the utility bill comes around — you’ll see the reward for your hard work!

Know someone who just moved into a new home? Share this article with them to help get them ready for their first winter!

The post Before You Turn on the Heat, Check These Cold Weather Tips for Homes appeared first on Safehome Security.

See also: 3 Simple Household Safety Tips for 2019

Back-to-School Safety Tips

For some parents, this is the first year that their child will be starting school. For others, it’s the first time they’ll be taking the bus, the first time they’ll be driving, or the first time they’ll be coming home on their own. So they have a lot to prepare for on top of backpacks and school supplies! We’re here to help. Regardless of what “first” your family is facing this school season, use these back-to-school safety tips to get ready.

Walking to School

• Pick and plan the safest walking route with sidewalks and designated crosswalks, and practice walking the route at least three times before school starts
• Teach your children the importance of always walking straight to school and straight home
• Buddy-up and walk with a friend or neighbor who lives close by
• Make sure your children understand why they should never talk to strangers, and if a stranger does approach them, to report it to a teacher as soon as they get to school
• Always look both ways before crossing the street, and follow the directions of school crossing guards

Taking the Bus

• Arrive at the bus stop a few minutes early
• Stay off the road and out of the way of traffic while waiting at the bus stop
• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before approaching the door
• If your child needs to cross the street before getting on the bus, make sure they follow the directions of the bus driver before crossing
• While crossing the street, instruct your children to stay at least 10 feet from the bus so that they are visible at all times

Driving in School Zones

• If your child is a first time driver, have them practice driving the route to school a few times at the end of summer to avoid stressful driving on the first day of school
• Be aware of the reduced speed limits in school zones
• If your child is carpooling other students, make sure everyone understands the risks that come with distracted driving
• Remember that it is a law to stop for school buses
• Avoid using cell phones while driving

Coming Home to an Empty Home

• List out all emergency phone numbers
• If your kids come home to an open front door or torn window screen, instruct them not to go inside
• Teach your kids how to set the alarm system if you have one, and to never let anyone in the house
• Set up notifications to stay aware of when your kids come home from school
• Use connected locks instead of hiding a spare key

You’re Ready for Back-to-School Season!

You’ve reviewed the back-to-school safety tips. You know how to stay connected to your family if your kids are coming home alone. And you’re ready for the back-to-school season! We hope you and your children have a safe and fun start to the new school year. If you’re looking for more tips to keep your home safe and connected, you can read more here.

Share this article with a friend or neighbor who has a child who’s starting school this year or coming home alone for the first time!

The post Back-to-School Safety Tips for Parents and Kids appeared first on Safehome Security.