Cold winter air can deliver a one-two punch with damaging effects to your home and your loved ones inside. Keeping your family safe starts by protecting your home. Fortunately, many tips for keeping your house safe also benefit your family, including preventing ice dams.

5 Winter Safety Tips

1. HVAC System Check

Ensuring that your heating system is ready for winter is essential. An annual inspection can determine any dangers and prevent a system breakdown in the dead of winter. Only a certified HVAC contractor can properly ensure the safety and reliability of your system. Find an AprilAire dealer today.

2. Chimney Flue and Fireplace Cleaning

Sitting in front of the hearth is one of the best parts of winter and the holidays, but a chimney fire can be a devastating event. No matter how infrequently you use your chimney, you should have it checked annually and cleaned, if necessary. Chimney fires can burn at over 2,000 degrees, causing extensive damage to your home and putting your family at risk.

3. Prevent Ice Dams

Ice dams are formed when the warmth of your home causes snow to melt in the center of the roof, and then refreezes as it reaches the edge. While the result, arguably, looks pretty cool from the ground — it’s dangerous for your home and your family. Ice dams are a sign that your house is losing too much heat through the roof, so you should consider insulating the attic floor. This buildup of ice and water can cause roof damage and the resulting icicles can fall to the ground with deadly consequences.

4. Protect Your Home From Dry Air

When you have the HVAC contractor out to check the furnace, make sure he also inspects or installs a whole-home humidifier. Indoor air can become very dry in the winter when the home is heated — with relative humidity levels falling well under 30 percent. When this happens, hardwood floors, trim and musical instruments can incur expensive damage. Dry air can also cause dry eyes, dry skin and increase your chances of catching a cold or the flu.

5. Prepare for Blizzards

Even in the modern era, a polar vortex could leave your family snow bound. While a day or two off work and school might be fun, blizzards can be very dangerous. If a heavy snow storm is predicted, ensure your family has clean drinking water, candles, blankets and non-spoilable food. Also remember never to use portable generators or propane heaters indoors as the exhaust is lethal.

Contact AprilAire

Winter can be hard on your house, but with our help and the right preparation you can protect your home and family from anything winter throws your way. Find an AprilAire expert near you.