Autumn may have just started a few weeks ago, but with the changes in foliage color, a decrease in temperature and talk of holiday plans, we are reminded that winter is just around the corner.
In many homes including my own, with night time temperatures dropping down to the 30’s and 40 F, my husband has insisted that we get the heaters started. After many months of not being used it is important to take a few moments to ensure safety and well being. In houses that do not have central air, take a few moments and vacuum heating vents or have the duct work in your house professionally cleaned. Do your heaters have air filters? If the answer is yes, do you know the last time they were changed? If you do not know, it has probably been too long. Take a few minutes to vacuum, and change air filters. To ensure that you remember which filter your house requires, take a picture of it, or write the details down in your favorite memo program. For those who heat with a fireplace or wood stove chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year and prior to use is a good time to ensure that they are still structurally sound and functioning optimally.
In addition to these routine maintenance procedures, invest in a carbon monoxide detector. This device a monitors levels of carbon monoxide, a gas which is colorless, odorless and potentially life threatening. It can be produced by the incomplete burning of such as natural gas, kerosene, wood and others forms of fuel. The carbon monoxide detector sounds an alert if the levels of this gas reach unsafe levels. Carbon monoxide detectors are simple to use, you simply plug it in. These detectors are widely available and as important as a smoke detector.
In many homes including my own, with night time temperatures dropping down to the 30’s and 40 F, my husband has insisted that we get the heaters started. After many months of not being used it is important to take a few moments to ensure safety and well being. In houses that do not have central air, take a few moments and vacuum heating vents or have the duct work in your house professionally cleaned. Do your heaters have air filters? If the answer is yes, do you know the last time they were changed? If you do not know, it has probably been too long. Take a few minutes to vacuum, and change air filters. To ensure that you remember which filter your house requires, take a picture of it, or write the details down in your favorite memo program. For those who heat with a fireplace or wood stove chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year and prior to use is a good time to ensure that they are still structurally sound and functioning optimally.
In addition to these routine maintenance procedures, invest in a carbon monoxide detector. This device a monitors levels of carbon monoxide, a gas which is colorless, odorless and potentially life threatening. It can be produced by the incomplete burning of such as natural gas, kerosene, wood and others forms of fuel. The carbon monoxide detector sounds an alert if the levels of this gas reach unsafe levels. Carbon monoxide detectors are simple to use, you simply plug it in. These detectors are widely available and as important as a smoke detector.
We have talked about improving physical health and safety during the winter, but what about other aspects of physical health as well as our spiritual health. There have been studies showing that indoor air quality can be worse than that out of doors as a result of the chemicals we introduce into our homes through a variety of products including, but not limited to cleaning supplies, scented candles, and beauty products. Consider switching to cleaning products made from herb infused vinegar and fragrance free beauty products and limiting the use of candles scented with both synthetic and natural essential oils. By starting small and making adjustments to the products we make, or purchase we can decrease the levels of indoor air pollutants. To help move stagnant air which can accumulate in our homes on the spiritual or emotional level here are a few techniques to try; ring bells, or bang pots and pans, sweep or vacuum the floor as well as up to the ceiling, simmer water with basil. These are just a few of the many available options. Experiment and find what works best in your house.
By taking a few moments to perform routine maintenance and decreasing the burden in the home we can increase our families safety this winter season. Enjoy the change of seasons.