Indoor Comfort Enemies: Extreme Cold
Cold and icy weather conditions are more than uncomfortable, they wreak havoc on your home. Of the many home protection or lifestyle reasons to invest in a new furnace or heating system, saving time and money from fixing issues caused by extreme cold are high on the list, particularly in the current economy. And proper heating is important to your safety during the peak of winter.
Results of Extreme Cold On The Home
Without a reliable furnace or heating system, below freezing weather can result in bursting pipes, cracked tile and foundational problems. All of these issues can cost thousands of dollars to correct. To prevent pipes from bursting, insulate them using inexpensive foam insulation, and allow them to drip when extremely cold temperatures persist. During the winter I recommend fully winterizing the home. See
this post on low-cost winterization techniques, but here's another important tip on how to winterize
plumbing.
If the home is vacant during winter, purchase antifreeze designed for RVs and follow the instructions provided. This type of antifreeze (unlike the kind your car uses) is potable. It's safe for use in home and for most metals. The cost is around $25 per gallon, a small price to pay to save the life of your plumbing. You'll probably need 3 or 4 gallons for a 3 bathroom home. You must drain the plumbing system and shut off the water supply before adding the antifreeze. See
this page for details on the procedure. Governments use this process to winterize vacant foreclosed homes.
Results of Extreme Cold On The Family
It goes without saying that being cold causes physiological responses such as shivering and shaking. Further cold causes Frostnip, the condition which causes red, numb and tingly extremities, like the fingers, nose, cheeks, ears and toes. Extreme cold on the human body will eventually cause frostbite (freezing of body tissue) and is fatal once the core body temperature begins dropping below 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37C). At this point hypothermia sets in and frostbite has begun*.
Children are at a higher risk of frostbite than adults, so even if you feel warm enough your children may not. To treat frostnip bring the child indoors immediately, remove wet clothing and immerse the chilled body parts in warm (not hot) water for 25 minutes. Use caution, numb extremities won't feel heat and can be severely burned by water that is too hot. Immediately see a doctor if sensation does not return or there are signs of frostbite. Frostbite causes white, waxy skin that feels numb and hard, and requires immediate medical attention*.
Relieving Cold Conditions
If your furnace is not performing well or warming as desired, or your utility bills are more than $250 per month in the peak of winter, call 888-HEATCOOL for a free home comfort analysis, a heating system inspection or a heating tune-up. It's possible that a new furnace should be installed to ensure your safety from the extreme cold. Today's new furnaces are vastly more efficient than older models, and will usually pay for themselves over just a few years in utility savings.
As you've seen, adequate heating is a safety issue, both for the protection of your home and your family. With proper home winterization and an energy-efficient, properly installed heating system, the weather outside isn't really all that frightful, and the warmth inside is definitely delightful.
*Sources: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/frostbite/article_em.htm
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/frostbite.html