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Preventing Drafts: How to Keep Your Home Warm During the Holidays
Cold drafts sneaking into your home can make even the warmest holiday gathering feel less cozy. Drafts not only make your home colder but also force your heating system to work harder, leading to higher energy bills. The good news? With some simple fixes, you can keep your home warm, comfortable, and energy-efficient all winter long. Here’s how to prevent drafts and stay warm during the holidays. 1. Seal Doors and Windows Doors and windows are the primary culprits for drafts, but sealing them is one of the easiest ways to keep the cold out. 2. Use Insulated Curtains or...
How to Prepare Your Water Heater for Extra Holiday Demand
The holiday season often means more guests, more cooking, and more water usage. With the added demand on your water heater, it’s important to ensure it’s ready to handle the load. Proper preparation can help you avoid cold showers, slow heating times, or even a breakdown. Here’s how to get your water heater holiday-ready. 1. Flush Your Water Heater Over time, sediment builds up in the tank, reducing your water heater’s efficiency and heating capacity. Flushing it out improves performance. 2. Check the Temperature Settings Setting your water heater to the right temperature ensures enough hot water for everyone while...
How to Protect Your Plants and Shrubs from Winter Weather
Winter weather can be tough on plants and shrubs, but with a little preparation, you can help them survive and thrive through the colder months. Snow, frost, and freezing temperatures can damage roots, foliage, and branches, but protective strategies can minimize harm. Here’s how to safeguard your greenery during winter. 1. Water Thoroughly Before the Ground Freezes Moist soil retains heat better than dry soil, helping to protect plant roots from freezing. 2. Add a Layer of Mulch Mulch acts as insulation, regulating soil temperature and moisture levels. 3. Wrap Vulnerable Shrubs Wrapping shrubs shields them from harsh winds, heavy...