Christmas is just around the corner and while you have no control over the changing seasons, you can prepare your home for the onslaught of the fast-approaching cold. Getting your home organized for winter may seem unnecessary, but the benefits in terms of financial expenditure as well as comfort will outweigh any reservations you may have.
 

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, the 2017/2018 US winter outlook is very similar to that of the last 2 years: featuring above-average temperatures with significant snowstorms impacting parts of the country. Regardless of a seemingly favorable forecast in terms of temperature, it remains imperative to prepare your home for winter with regards to insulation, heating and lighting.

 

The winter months mean less daylight, and while everyone is eager to save energy you also don’t want to risk injury due to poorly-lit passages and pathways. You can still use your outdoor lighting without wasting energy and money. Outdoor lights are generally left on for long periods of time, but by switching to energy-saving products and bulbs to light up your porch and pathways you can save a lot of energy. You can even invest in CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) and LED (light-emitting diode) flood lights that can withstand both rain and snow.

 

Say hello to LED’s

One of the easiest and most immediate changes you can make to your current lighting system is to change all your incandescent lights to CFLs. With that being said, there are many other eco-friendly lighting options available of which the most promising seems to be the LED.

 

Due to the fact that LEDs do not heat up the same way incandescents do, they are more energy efficient and last longer than both CFLs and traditional bulbs. LEDs also boast many other advantages that include their durability and cold-temperature operations.

 

 

Use natural light where you can

CFLs and LEDs are all great energy-saving options, but there is no need to use synthetic light if you have access to free, 100% natural light. While you need artificial light to function when it’s dark out, you can use sunlight to illuminate your living spaces for most part of the day due to the inclusion of well-placed windows, skylights and translucent wall panels within your home. If everyone had decent sources of natural light, our combined expenditure on energy bills would decrease drastically and we would all lead happier and more fulfilling lives.

 

Don’t be a night owl

If you suffer from erratic sleeping patterns that keep you up for most of the night, you not only consume a lot more energy in terms of lighting than necessary, but you will also put your body under severe strain. Lack of sleep negatively affects your circadian levels/hormones with your overall health eventually buckling under the strain. Sleeping when it’s dark will not only save on your energy bill, but will leave you feeling healthier, happier and more excited about the coming festive season.

 

Plunging temperatures and winter storms can be hazardous both to your family and your home. You and your loved ones can stay safe and healthy by planning ahead. While preparing your home is vital, don’t forget to prepare your car as well and always be prepared for outdoor activity and power outages. Winter can be relentless, but it doesn’t last forever and soon you will be back to lounging around the pool on a beautiful sunny day.

Guest post by Sally Collins

 

 

About the Author

Sally Collins is a professional freelance writer with many years of experience across many different areas. She made the move to freelancing from a stressful corporate job and loves the work-life balance it offers her. When not at work, Sally enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her family and travelling as much as possible.

 

 

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