Hot Flash, Cold Flash
Just imagine being in Spearfish, South Dakota on the morning of Jan. 22 1943. Outdoor temperatures increased from -4°F to 45°F in just two minutes and eventually reached a high of 54°F. But throw your hands in the air because later that morning the temperature plunged right back to -4°F.1 Talk an extreme temperature roller coaster! Consider yourself lucky to live in a time when consistent indoor comfort from an energy-efficient central heating system is standard.
Hello Sunshine!
Every January, the Earth reaches perihelion — the point in its orbit that's nearest to the Sun. So, why the winter chill? Despite common misconceptions, seasonal temperatures have to do with how the Earth's axis is tilted, not how close we are to the sun. So, keep that central heating system operating in peak performance. You're probably going to need it, especially in January!
Twins or Just Dress Alike?
In 1988, Nancy Knight, a scientist with the National Center for Atmosphere Research said she discovered two snowflakes that looked identical under a microscope. However, while the snowflakes appeared to look the same at the surface, it was later concluded that the flakes were different at the molecular level.2 And so, it seems to remain true — no two snowflakes are truly identical.
Supersized Frosty
As of February 1999, Bethel, Maine volunteers had built the largest snowman on record. The structure, named “Angus, King of the Mountain,” reached 113 feet, 7 inches high. However, in 2008, the town broke its own record with the creation of “Olympia Snowe,” a 122-foot snow woman.4 Talk about supersizing!
Old Man Winter
Winter is more than just a season! As of the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau, there were 31,301 people with the surname Winter in the United States.5 So, be respectful of Old Man Winter; he’s probably someone’s grandfather. And just to be ready for his arrival, be sure to have an annual heating system check up by a licensed professional HVAC dealer.
Moisture Thief
Cold winter temperatures can be dry. If cold air works its way into your home, it may steal moisture from wherever it can find it, including you! Unfortunately, you may feel cooler as moisture evaporates off your skin. This cooling sensation may be helpful in the summer, but not during winter. Need to catch that slick moisture thief, call in backup support from your licensed professional HVAC dealer.
Cuddle Up
Even with the cozy indoor comfort created by your central heating system, you may not be able to resist celebrating January 6th. It’s National Cuddle Up Day! Snuggles all around!
Snowball Misdemeanor
Don’t be tempted to throw snowballs within the city limits of Provo, Utah. Per Provo City Ordinance, you could be found guilty of a misdemeanor.6 Do yourself a favor. Stay warm inside and don’t get caught up in the tomfoolery of a snowball fight.
The Heat is On!
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, up to 47% of households rely on natural gas to heat their home compared with 36% who are dependent on electricity.7 We aren’t sure about the remaining 17%! How are you staying warm and cozy in your home this winter?
Winter Solstice
If you happen to be in Fairbanks, Alaska on December 21, 2019, don't depend on the sun to keep you warm. It's the shortest day of the year! Sunrise is scheduled for 10:58 am and sets at 2:39 pm.3 You may only need sunglasses for 3 hours and 41 minutes that day, but you'll probably depend on your central heating system that day and all season long.
This article was included in the
2019 fall/winter edition of Just Comfort™ Magazine.
1 Staff, T. M. (2018, January 22). 50 degrees in 2 minutes, Spearfish library celebrates record-breaking weather day. Rapid City Journal, pp. https:rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/degrees-in-minutes-spearfish-library-celebrates-recordbreaking-weather-day/article_05 e7b7793-8ad4-5517-9a10-5a27546a328a.html
2 Thangham, C. V. (2008, December 7). No two snowflakes are alike. Retrieved from Digital Journal www.digitaljournal.com/article/263168
3 Time and Date. (1995-2018). December 2018 — Sun in Fairbanks. Retrieved from timeanddate.com: www.timeanddate.com/sun/usa/fairbanks?month=12
4 Press, A. (2008, March 1). Topping 122 Feet, Snowman in Maine Vies for World Record. Retrieved from Fox News: www.foxnews.com/ story/2008/03/01/topping-122-feet-snowmanin-maine-vies-for-world-record.html#r-worldrecord.html#
5 US Census. (2010). Surnames Occurring 100 or More Times. Washington DC: US Department for Commerce.
6 Code Publishing Company. (2018, July 18). Provo City Code. Seattle, Washington, USA.
7 Energy Information Administration. (2017, April 6). U.S. households’ heating equipment choices are diverse and vary by climate region. Retrieved from Today in Energy: www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=30672&src=%E2%80%B9%20 Consumption%20%20%20%20%20%20Residential%20Energy%20Consumption%20Survey%20 (RECS)-f2