Beat the Winter Blues

During the winter months, we can expect to hear about record-high snow falls and record-low temperatures. The shorter days and cooler nights take a toll on your home – and even your physical and mental health.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) installers know that the frigid temperatures and piles of snow can put an enormous amount of strain on HVAC equipment and plumbing – in the form of increased heating hours and frozen pipes. Regular maintenance and tune ups are highly encouraged to help ensure your heat pump is properly running and help ease your mind about heating your home during the frigid temperatures of Atlantic Canadian winters.

To get through winter, consider a few of these tips for improving your home’s comfort, and your own mental and physical health.

CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT

1. Change your heat pump filter. Experts recommend you should change these at least once a month in times of high-demand.

2. Schedule a heat pump maintenance appointment. Ready Refrigeration's qualified and specially trained professionals will make sure your heat pump is always working at peak efficiency. Click to book your appointment.

3. Check the humidification levels. Cold air has less moisture than warm air, which is why our skin tends to be drier and itchier in colder months. When your HVAC contractor tunes up your heat pump, ask them to check the humidification systems as well. This will help ensure your home is comfortable, and help prevent wood floors from drying and cracking, as well as general discomfort from the dry air. If your windows have excess moisture, check for air leakage and balance your humidification system.

4. Take care of the exterior unit of your heat pump. Check for snow or ice build-up during the winter to ensure good air flow through the unit. If snow or ice restricts the air flow, you will lose efficiency and your heat pump will strain to keep up its pace.

STOCK UP ON SMART HOME SOLUTIONS

5. Add smart lighting to your home. It’s recommended that exposure to bright light in the morning can help keep your circadian rhythms in check and help address seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

6. Be safe - Winter is a season for safety. Atlantic Canada sees an increase in carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in December through February. For peace of mind, ensure your home has several CO detectors placed throughout your home – or better yet, consider combination smoke/CO detectors.

7. Get smart about your comfort. Smart thermostats have increased in popularity since they provide energy savings when homeowners are away, and comfort when they are home. Start feeling comfortable in just a few steps with the Daikin One+ Smart Thermostat.

LET THE SUN IN

8. Be comfortable. It's proven that exercise makes people happier and healthier both inside and out. To keep your home gym cool, use a DAIKIN ONE+ Smart Thermostat to deliver the ideal temperature for that room when you start your home workout, and ensure that room doesn’t get overly warm or cold.

9. Get outside. Nothing beats time in nature to clear your mind and soak in some Vitamin D from sunlight that can improve mood.

10. Ensure your home is getting enough light. Open the blinds or even remove your screens to allow more sunlight into your home. A brighter home is a happy home.

sun shining in room with daikin heat pump