Winter 2012
Here we are facing another winter season. Will it be long, cold and snowy or warmer than usual and lead to an early spring? Maybe nature will throw us a mixed bag. Either way we can expect at some point the plows will be rolling, we’ll be shoveling the walk and if we’re lucky warming up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa. Maybe some of us will be real lucky and sit out the season in some warmer climate.
Winter is a good time for us to catch up on inside work. I know I’ll be expected to paint one or two rooms during the winter months and no doubt installing some new lighting to counter winters short days. If you plan on adding some new lighting you may want to take advantage of the new LED lights or bulbs. Light Emitting Diodes (LED’s) use much less energy than conventional lamps or fixtures and last much longer; maybe up to 50,000 hours! Recessed LED fixtures are gaining popularity and so are under cabinet fixtures. They’ll cost you dearly but the savings comes over time. And you’ll be helping the environment since they not only use less energy but you’re not disposing mercury found in compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s).
On those really cold days and nights you may want to plug in a small heater. Remember to be cautious. Some heaters have safety switches so that if knocked over they shut off. Others do not and need to placed away from combustibles like furniture or drapes. Make sure, if you’re using and extension cord, it’s heavy enough to carry the amperage of the heater and don’t run the cord under a rug. Countless fires start this way.
While you’re at it why not check your smoke detectors. Change batteries if necessary and add smoke detectors so that there’s one on each floor and one in every bedroom. Add a carbon monoxide detector as well.
Ice dams. Let’s hope it’s not one of those winters. But just in case ever think about deicing cables? When installed properly they can save you from the damage thawing snow and ice can do to your home. Stoneridge Electric installs only UL listed deicing products.
If the power goes out and you’re not lucky enough to have a standby generator maybe it’s time to think about getting one installed. Repairing frozen pipes may cost far more than the generator and using your gas oven for heat is dangerous. Stoneridge Electric sells and installs generators all winter long and you can call us anytime for a free estimate. Click on the “Services” button here on our website and go to “Generators” for more information.
Before I forget…Listen to WBPM 92.9FM in Kingston and catch our new radio ads for discounts and information.
Winter. Enjoy it or endure it. It’s here until that first crocus pokes it’s head out of the ground and the robin shows up near the feeder.
Regards,
Scott
