Sarah on March 14, 2014 0 Comments As energy costs rise and temperatures become even more extreme in all parts of the country, it becomes more and more expensive to stay comfortable during the cold months of winter and the hot months of summer. Despite the expense, it’s important to find relief from the extreme outdoor temperatures when you enter the comfort of your home or office. Dangers of Extreme Weather If you’re fighting the rising costs of energy and attempting to relieve the pressure on your HVAC unit, consider the dangers of both extreme cold and heat before you hit the off button on your system. Extreme heat can lead to severe discomfort and several serious illnesses: Heat stroke occurs when the body is no longer able to control its temperature, and is the most serious of illnesses related to extreme heat. An actual stroke can occur is temperature is not controlled, and permanent damage to the organs is common when left untreated. Heat cramps are often triggered in a hot environment, and are characterized by inadequate fluid intake while working in extreme weather. Heat exhaustion is caused by either salt or water depletion and is common in athletes. The body is unable to cool itself down in extremely warm temperatures. Heat rash is common in infants, and occurs when the sweat glands are blocked, and appears in the form of small red bumps on the skin. Extreme cold can also be life-threatening if the body can’t warm up: Hypothermia is potentially life-threatening, and is characterized by a quick drop in body temperature. Hypothermia occurs when the core temperature drops to lower than 95 degrees, and can happen during any season of the year. Frostbite occurs when body tissue is frozen and oxygen and blood flow to certain areas of the body is stopped as blood vessels contract. Migraines are a common occurrence during periods of extreme winter as sleep patterns and stress hormone levels change. These are just a few examples of the dangers of extreme weather. It’s important to remember that extreme heat isn’t limited to summer, and extreme cold isn’t limited to winter. In the right situation, any of these ailments and illnesses can be the result of improper heating or cooling. Costs of Extreme Weather Some homes in the Midwest can expect their heating bills to double, and other regions of the country can expect large jumps in heating costs over the next year, as well. Despite a boom in the energy production of the US, the US Energy Information Administration predicts that propane heating costs will jump by an average of 54% over the next year, and homes heated with natural gas can expect to see an increase of 10%. Homeowners that use oil to heat their homes can expect a 7% jump, while electricity is expected to rise by 5%. According to Energy.gov, cooling costs account for over 50% of the energy use in the average home in the United States. In fact, for most homes this is the largest energy output, even higher than refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, and microwaves. Whether you realize it or not, keeping your home at your desired temperature is a huge part of your monthly budget. However, there is an easy solution to cutting down on this monthly cost. The Solution: Heat & Cool Portable Air Conditioners Fortunately, consumers have options when considering how to heat and cool their homes. Portable air conditioners that also have a heating option are a valuable asset when you are working to keep costs low but maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Just a few of the benefits of 2-in-1 portable air conditioners and heaters include: 2 benefits from 1 purchase Inexpensive Keeps you and your family comfortable, as well as provides an oasis from the extreme outdoor weather Keeps energy usage down, ultimately saving you money Portable units can be moved to any part of your house Rather than cool or heat your entire home, you can spot cool certain areas Versatility Following a supplemental heating strategy is the easiest way you can instantly reduce your energy costs. On the flip side, it’s also recommended that you follow this same strategy for cooling your home in the summer. This is sometimes referred to as “spot cooling.” Using portable air conditioners with heaters to control the temperature in your home is the perfect solution to cutting costs without sacrificing comfort. Don’t Pay for Extreme Weather You may not have control over the outside weather, but you do have control over the temperature inside your home, as well as how much you pay to maintain it. Get warm during the winter months and stay cool in the summer with the help of a portable air conditioner + heater.
