It’s the last few days till we say goodbye to tank tops and days spent under the sun. Autumn leaves are all over the ground wherever you look. You start to feel the crisp air the moment you step outside. Then it hits you. It’s time to wrap some scarves and prepare for the winter days ahead.
It’s that time of year when you’d prefer to stay in and enjoy a sip of hot tea instead of going out. Dealing with the cold gets hard sometimes. And it’s worse if you live with it unprepared. Here are simple ways to prepare and welcome the chill with your chin up to avoid the cold hardships,
1) Check your steam boiler
Thank God there’s a boiler. Can you imagine what it would be like to deal with the cold without any steam? All you have to rely on for heat is just a traditional fireplace. If that’s the case, you would most likely stay in front of the fireplace throughout the winter.
If the main purpose of your fire tube boiler is for central heating only, make sure to have it checked before using it for a long time. Steam boilers require maintenance and if you haven’t used yours for months, it’s time to have it checked. Ensure that its tubes and parts are in good condition and there is no need for abrupt replacement during winter.
2) Buy a boiler if you don’t have one yet (and if you can)
Steam boilers are a bit costly. Most especially if your place does not come with one. One of the struggles with living in a 4-season country is that you need to invest in heat systems to survive. Unfortunately, not all residential areas come with it. If you’re lucky to rent a place with a steam boiler, make sure to have it checked to avoid spending an icy cold and sleepless night.
If you’re planning to purchase one, consider the size your area needs. Since it’s costly, make sure that you buy the right size to provide the right amount of temperature you will need. Consider also if you want to go for a fire tube or water tube boiler instead.
Fire-tube boilers are more preferred by homeowners since they provide just enough central heating. If you have a bigger place or would also use it for other purposes, a business per se, then maybe a water tube boiler is better for you.
Compared to fire tubes, water tube boilers can handle higher pressure and produce higher temperatures. If it’s only for heating purposes, it’s better to go for the one that fits your allotted budget. And one that would keep you warm enough during the cold.
3) Store your fireplace necessities
If you have other steam resources for the cold season like a fireplace, it’s time to stock them up. For those who use a traditional fireplace, make sure to buy yourself enough wood, stones, etc. It’s better to stock up instead of inconveniently going out and battling yourself against the freezy air.
For gas and electric fireplace owners, it’s time to clean and dust off your fireplace that you haven’t used in months. Try to heat it too, to see if there’s any defect that needs to be repaired immediately.
4) Get ‘em shovels and ready your rain boots
Snow and white Christmas is all fun until you have to get rid of that block of snow in your doorway. Make sure you have your shovels ready anytime the snow gets too much and covers your driveway. Looking at the bright side, at least you get to have a little workout from removing blocks of snow every winter.
Don’t forget to add some fashion frenzy while you shove them up. Prepare your rain boots to keep you warm and to avoid having ‘wet feet feel’ from the snow.
5) Check the condition of your roof
Check out for any roof leaks at your house that might cause lower temperatures. A small leak or opening can affect so much. Make sure that your winter refuge is not sabotaging your steam and warm heating systems.
Check your water pipes and ventilation too. These would greatly affect your indoor condition and would save you from cold stress during the season.
6) Prepare your car for the winter ride
Aside from your home, your vehicle is your second comfort during the cold. Make sure to check your car tires and have backups for unexpected damage from the snow. Don’t forget to also refill your gas tank. Having gas will avoid ice in the tank as well as save you from long fuel refill lines.
Have an emergency kit in your car too. Keep an emergency car battery if you can. Never underestimate the power of the cold. Power banks, water, tire pump, first aid kit, and an extra coat are a must.
7) Restock your food pantry
You might think that it is unlikely for a power outage to occur during winter, most especially in this day and age. If you argue that you can stop by your local grocery store any time of the day, then what if an unexpected snowstorm happens?
Have ready-to-eat goods in your pantry before the winter starts. Make sure to buy some goods that don’t require cooking or heating in case of emergencies. Have enough water too. It’s important to keep yourself hydrated as much as you can.
8) Buy some heat packs
Heat packs would come in handy most especially if you’re to run an errand. Make sure to keep some in your coat every time you go out. There are heat pads that can be reused and only need charging for them to work.
Consider buying these most especially if you have kids and if you’ll take them out for a winter tour.
9) Know the emergency hotlines
Keep yourself updated with the latest hotline numbers of hospitals, repair shops, and stores that you think you’d need help from in any case. Have them in your notes list on your phone or better, write them down on your refrigerator note for your entire family to see as well.
10) Enjoy the autumn chill
Lastly, all there’s left is for you to enjoy the autumn. Go out and make plans with your friends. Anything that will make your Fall a great one. After all, it won’t stay too long. Autumn is a great kickstart for the winter weather. The air, just the right feel – not too chilling but cold enough for you to stay in.
Winter only comes once a year and we’d like to make it as memorable as possible. To avoid any mishaps and unnecessary problems during the season, make sure you prepare for it wholeheartedly. It’s the only way to have a ‘tis jolly season. Cheers to the cold!
About the author:
Bianca Banda is an ardent writer for Trilogy Boilers Australia, a veteran in specialized boiler and burner installations, servicing, engineering, industrial gas plumbing, and more.