As the seasons change and temperatures drop, it’s a good time to consider a few of these ideas to prepare your home for winter. Here are things we recommend for a safer, warmer winter this year.
#1 Generac Generator
This time of year, it’s not uncommon for the weather to turn nasty quickly. We’re all familiar with the morning you leave your house thinking you’re fine with just a light jacket and come home in a raging blizzard, regretting the decision to leave your coat at home after all. To prepare for the unpredictable winter storms headed our way in the months to come, we recommend installing a Generac generator.
Having a standby generator will give you the peace of mind to weather any storm that winter throws your way. If your home loses its power, your Generac generator will kick on to power your home instead. It’s hard to imagine a time without heat in your home because of a power outage! So, be prepared with a Generac generator.
Our certified, experienced electricians will walk you through your generator installation every step of the way. Should the weather unexpectedly go awry this winter, you can rest easy knowing your home will be safe, sound, and warm. Learn more about Generac generators here.
#2 Roof De-Icing Heat Cable
A new roof can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $11,000. If you just felt your wallet ache a little bit, we understand. The roof is one of the most expensive parts of your home, so we care about helping you preserve and maintain it. The build-up of snow and ice on your roof is probably reason for some concern and attention- especially here in Utah and Idaho where it snows a lot!
One way to protect your roof is by having de-icing heat cable (sometimes called “heat tape”) installed. De-icing heat cable is installed in a zig-zag pattern along the edge of your roof. When powered on, the heat cable helps to melt the snow and ice and guide it away from the house. Overall, this helps improve the lifetime and quality of your roof.
With de-icing heat cable installed, you can have more confidence in the roof over your head during the cold winter.
#3 Assess Your Lighting
“It’s only 4:30 pm and it’s dark already?!” Yep, we all grumble about it getting darker earlier during this time of the year. Unfortunately, this seems to be an inevitable element of the wintertime, but it provides a good opportunity to assess the lighting in your home, office, or business.
Good lighting during the winter can help prevent injuries, improve mental health, and provide a cozier, warmer environment altogether.
When your outdoor lighting is adequate, it’s easier to avoid those sneaky icy patches on your driveway. It’s also helpful to see clearly for those early mornings of shoveling snow- you wouldn’t want to miss a spot!
Not to get too sciency, but the National Institute of Mental Health says, “Studies indicate that people with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), especially winter-pattern SAD, have reduced levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which helps regulate mood. Research also suggests that sunlight affects levels of molecules that help maintain normal serotonin levels. Shorter daylight hours may prevent these molecules from functioning properly, contributing to decreased serotonin levels in the winter.” Because it can be mentally difficult for some in the winter, along with proper diet and vitamins, adequate sleep, and exercise, good lighting can help improve your mood during the darker, colder months of the year.
Beyond personal safety and well-being, good lighting during the winter simply helps your home to feel warmer and cozier during the winter. There’s nothing like coming home to a warm, well-lit space after those long hours out in the cold.
No matter the reason you might need to improve your lighting, we offer many different LED lighting options to provide for your variety of needs.
#4 Proper Christmas Light Power
While you might aspire to have a Clark Griswold Christmas light display this year, we definitely do not recommend his extension cord daisy chain setup! To ensure you have a safe holiday season, we recommend making sure your lights, decorations, and other displays are powered properly. Below are a few general electrical guidelines from the Electrical Safety Foundation to keep in mind:
- Inspect cords, decorations, and other items for damage before use. Check that they are specifically marked for outdoor use.
- Don’t expose wires or other electrical equipment to moisture. Make sure your lights and cords are not in the snow or standing water.
- Match the power needs of your displays to the correct amperage rating of electrical cords.
- Plugging displays into proper GFCI outlets will help avoid electrical damage to your home in the event of a power surge.
- Do not overload electrical outlets with too many plugs- simplify your display if needed. (Sometimes less is more!)
From all of us at Ferree Electric, we hope you have a safe, warm winter and enjoy the holiday season! Give us a call at 801-702-8930 or send us an email at Sam@ferreeelectric.com to get your home ready for this winter.
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