As the winter approaches, it’s important for families to start thinking about how they will keep their home and family warm throughout the season. Luckily, there are a few different ways to do this. Below are several steps you can take to help your family stay safe and warm this winter season.

Keep Your Home Well-insulated

Keeping your home well-insulated will help to trap heat inside and prevent it from escaping. Make sure to check for any gaps or cracks around doors and windows that may let cold air in. You can also add weather stripping or caulk to these areas to help seal them off. Another way to keep your home well-insulated is to invest in some heavy curtains for your windows, which will help to further prevent heat from escaping.

Keep Your Home Heated

Of course, one of the best ways to keep your family warm is to keep your home heated using your HVAC unit or a fireplace. When burning wood for your fireplace, consider how much wood you’ll need to keep going throughout the day. When the wood reaches 100 degrees Celsius, its moisture content will evaporate and leave behind a solid, dry mass. Keep in mind the moisture content to ensure your wood doesn’t evaporate soon and keeps your family warm for hours.

Dress in Layers

Wearing layers of clothing is always a good idea in colder weather, as you can easily take them off or put them on as needed. Start with a base layer of clothing that will wick away sweat, like wool or synthetic fabric. Add a layer of insulation on top of that, like a fleece jacket or sweater. Finally, top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer.

Don’t Forget About Your Pets

Pets need extra care in colder weather as well, so be sure to keep them inside as much as possible. If they must go outside, make sure they have a warm, dry place to sleep and access to fresh water. It’s also a good idea to get them groomed regularly during the winter months to help prevent their fur from matting.

Stock Up on Oil

With global demand for crude oil in 2020 projected to increase to 96.5 million barrels per day by 2021, it’s important to prepare and stock up on oil. Doing so will ensure you have enough to last throughout the winter season and avoid any potential price hikes. Preparing ahead of time can help keep your family warm and prevent unforeseen shortages.

Winterize Your Car

As the temperatures start to drop, it’s important to take some steps to winterize your car. This includes adding antifreeze to your radiator, checking your battery, and making sure your tires are properly inflated. You should also keep a winter emergency kit in your car during the coldest months. While your home must be insulated, remember to keep your car warm as well so your family is never cold during trips outside the home.

Replace Your Water Heater

Most tankless water heaters can last more than 20 years. However, if your unit is more than 10 years old, it may be time to start thinking about replacing it. A new water heater will not only be more energy-efficient, but it will also provide your family with a reliable source of hot water all winter long. Some signs you might need to repair or replace your unit include strange noises, higher energy bills, or rust on the tank.

Following these tips can help you keep your home and family warm this winter season. By taking some preventative measures and being prepared, you can rest assured that your family will stay safe and comfortable all winter long.