Seal off windows and unused doorways with a shrink-wrap insulation kit. To make sure that winter weather doesn't put your pet's health at risk, keep the following tips in mind when preparing for the changing seasons: "The mixed air will then spread downward, making your room feel warmer.". But doing so can actually keep your house warm—that is, if you make one important change first. However, if you don't have any of those options handy—or if you're on a budget—Dawson says newspaper can help prevent pipes from freezing in a pinch. From what you're wearing to what you're drinking, this advice will keep you safe all winter long. The areas where cold air enters your home aren't always as obvious as exterior cracks. Another way to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting is to let your faucets run slightly throughout the day.

Keeping an eye out for common symptoms of illness can help prevent any weather-related health problems from snowballing—no pun intended! In short, you should indeed heat your basement in cool and cold climate areas. "Getting a modern unit will keep your house hot during the winter.". How do you keep your house warm all winter long without going broke? He recommends increasing your home's temperature between 7 and 10 degrees. If you have a baby, this issue becomes even more fraught with concerns over safety and health. When it's extremely cold, dogs shouldn't stay outside for long periods of time.

"The mixed air will then spread downward, making your room feel warmer." Mark Dawson, COO of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, recommends installing a smart thermostat that is programmable, which "allows you to set the thermostat for warmer temperatures just before you wake up and prior to returning home, enhancing your comfort.". Make sure your furniture isn't covering any ventilation ducts. By Tom Heyden BBC News Magazine.

We recommend our users to update the browser. And this will prevent your dog from running off and getting lost in a, If your dog spends a lot of time outside in the winter months, make sure you provide, If you have a dog house, make sure it is insulated.

Taking steps to heat your bird's environment properly is necessary for his health and comfort. It will not only help keep cold air out, and it will keep the warm air in. Keeping those toes warm in the winter means more than just investing in a good pair of slippers—laying down some throw rugs can help, too. Not only will cleaning out your dryer vents help "make sure accumulated lint is not blocking air flow," says Dawson, it will also help prevent your dryer from becoming a fire hazard. Cover your kitchen hood when it's not being used. You probably don't think to turn on your ceiling fan when it's cold outside. But doing so can actually keep your house warm—that is, if you make one important change first.

To make sure that winter weather doesn't put your pet's health at risk, keep the following tips in mind when preparing for the changing seasons: Birds that are positioned near doors and windows are at risk of being exposed to icy drafts.

It can be hard to tell if your HVAC system is working at full capacity, especially if it's been slowly losing power over the years.

All Rights Reserved. "Impeding the free flow of air will mean that your heating system won't be as effective as it could be," says Glenn Wiseman, sales manager at Top Hat Home Comfort Services. Start with a shrink wrap kit.

And the floor should be at least 4 inches off the ground and should be, Make sure all dogs always have access to clean, unfrozen water. That open flue is a common source of home drafts, according to Dawson. To avoid that side effect, Dawson recommends covering the kitchen hood when it's not in use to mitigate leaks and keep warm air inside. If it's very cold, the timer should be set to switch the heating on earlier, rather than turning the thermostat up to warm the house rapidly, according to Age UK.

Because their bodies are built to endure heat, cold weather can mean big trouble for an exotic bird with no protection.

8.

Quindemil estimates that newer boilers are 90 percent more efficient than older models. It may clear the air when you're cooking, but your kitchen hood can also act as a passageway for cold air to get inside your house. A new study is showing the infection prevalence. Are Vacations Possible When You Own Parrots or Other Birds?

Brace yourself for the cold weather with these genius winter home design tips! No built-in fireplace?

This is why you don't want the temperature inside your house to drop too low, because bathroom and kitchen pipes are generally not insulated, and they rely on whatever system you're using to heat the rest of your house to keep warm. 14 low-tech ways to keep your house warm over the winter. Image credit: David Giles.

These relate to personal comfort, health and safety, and overall efficiency of your resources. Whether or not you use your basement isn’t the question. To know the best practices for how to keep a dog house warm in the winter, you need to understand your dog.

If left unchecked, a blockage could damage your equipment and reduce its efficiency, leaving you paying more for less heat. Christmas lights and dryers should be watched closely in order to avoid a winter fire in your home. Tackle these essential yard tasks before winter kicks off.

Turn the heat up if you’re still cold.

This is especially important if you have baseboard heating, which can lead to a fire if blocked, according to Wiseman. Those thin, light-colored curtains you use during the summer months do your home a serious disservice when temperatures start to drop. Our latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can build it, too! Draught-proofing windows is a simple, worthwhile DIY task. Move your pet to an interior location to prevent the chills. The smoke and fumes from the wood and gas can wreak havoc on a bird's respiratory system. Change the direction of your ceiling fan. The area you spend most time in during the day should be around 21°C (70°F). We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents.

"Conventional draperies can reduce heat loss from a warm room up to 10 percent," says Stapf, citing Energy.gov research. These famous lovebirds have flown under the radar. Plus, "that pressure pushing up against closed vents can lead to damage and costly air leaks," Dawson says. Alyson is a freelance writer with more than 10 years of experience working professionally with birds, and over 3 years as a veterinary technician.

Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Stay warm!

Most pet bird species come from areas with warm, tropical climates. Enter your email address to get the best tips and advice.

A chilled bird is a bird with a lowered immune system. Move the Cage Away From Doors and Windows, How to Care for Pet Birds in Cold Weather, European Starling (Common Starling): Bird Species Profile, Victoria Crowned Pigeon: Bird Species Profile, Australian (Green-Winged) King Parrot: Bird Species Profile, Buying Your First Pet Bird Needs Research and Education Ahead of Time, Retrieving Pet Birds That Escape the Home.