Although weather experts may refer to Birmingham as having a “”humid subtropical”” climate, those of us who live here understand that it’s just not that simple in the Deep South. The supposedly mild winters are sometimes anything but mild, and the weather patterns seem to be more unpredictable than ever these days. When you’re not sure if it’s going to be frigid or frosty outside — or if it’s time to put on your shorts — the best plan of action is always to prepare for all possible outcomes. Getting a consultation with an HVAC expert such as One Hour can enlighten you as to which options are available as winter approaches.
Winter Is Coming
Birmingham residents can expect a major dip in temperatures starting around December. Historically, January has always been the coldest month. In fact, the “”Snowpocalypse”” of 2014 happened during January. Temperatures during the winter months will usually hover in the mid-30s to mid-50s, which is why it is rare to see accumulated snow hanging around; it is pretty rare for the weather to dip below freezing levels, even at night.
Keeping Your Home Comfortable
You want to keep your household comfortable for everyone, but you also don’t want a power bill that reaches into the stratosphere. Fortunately, there are guidelines to follow. The official recommendation is to keep your thermostat set at 68 degrees during the winter days. Birmingham residents are advised to put the thermostat at 60 degrees for the evening hours. If you need to, you can always bundle up with some blankets. Cooler temperatures are more conducive to sleeping, and people can always layer up their clothing and wear socks in order to generate some more body heat.
Do Not Let Your Pipes Freeze
If you leave the home for an extended period of time, keep that programmable thermostat set to at least 55 degrees. Of course, you want to save money and be efficient while you’re out, but you really want to be careful not to let your pipes freeze. Many Birmingham residents choose to use a “”smart”” thermostat to make life easier and assuage their concerns while away from home. For those who aren’t quite sure how their thermostats works — or who want to get a smart thermostat — reaching out to the team at One Hour is a good idea.
Tips for Efficiency During the Winter
As overwhelming as it can seem to commit to an efficiency plan for your home, some of the steps you can take are relatively simple. For example, have you checked on your ceiling fan’s winter setting? This can encourage the air to circulate in an advantageous direction, helping to redistribute warm air in a way that will keep your house cozy. Speaking of keeping cozy, now is an excellent time to have your insulation checked. You’ll also want to go around the house and check for any leaks or drafts. Where is the cold air coming into your home? Use caulk and other products to seal up small areas that are letting in a lot of frigid air; you can even make this a fun DIY project for the family. During the day, keep your blinds open so that your home can naturally reap the benefits of the sun’s warmth.
Keeping Calm (and Warm) During the Winter Months
As long as you have planned for the winter season properly, it should be as easy as the rest of the year. There are so many steps you can take to ensure that your family stays warm this winter — without sacrificing your commitment to efficiency. If you have any questions about your HVAC system as we head into the winter months, it’s always a good idea to check in with One Hour and ensure that you have the best tools available to you — ahead of time.