How to Survive a Michigan Winter

Surviving a Michigan winter is a contact sport, but you can make it through with ease if you’re prepared. As the saying goes, if you don’t like winter weather in Monroe, Michigan, just give it a minute. One week it’s 8 degrees and blizzard conditions, the next week it’s 55 degrees and sunny. This whiplash effect is caused by cold air and warm air moving back and forth; it’s something veterans of this area know too well. Today, the professionals at Iceberg Heating & Cooling are going to share some tips and tricks on how to survive a Michigan winter.

1. Dress Accordingly, Michiganders.

When deciding what to wear during winter in Michigan, go warm and don’t worry about trying to be fashion-forward. Sounds like a no-brainer, right? The fact is, many people worry far too much about fashion in winter and suffer as a result. It becomes vitally important to remember that what you wear walking to your car at work won’t cut it should your car breakdown and you become stranded on the side of the road. Be sure to also dress in layers, and wear wool or synthetic clothing that will wick sweat and moisture away from your skin.

2. Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Because of the number of cold and gray days in Michigan, many people report battling Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). While it’s best to first make an appointment with a medical professional, here are a couple of things to ask your doctor about. One remedy is the use of a light therapy box. There have been promising results from a number of studies on the use of light boxes to combat SAD. Different from typical lights, light boxes mimic outdoor light, which researchers believe causes a chemical change in the brain that elevates mood and eases symptoms associated with SAD.

Another way to combat SAD is to increase your exercise. When you increase the amount of exercise you get, your brain releases several depression-fighting chemicals. These chemicals – serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline, and endorphins – work together to make you more relaxed and feel better.

3. Check Your Tires.

Because you’ll be driving on snow and ice this year, it’s important to keep an eye on your tires. The first thing to check is the tread on your tires. One way to do this is with a penny. With Honest Abe’s head pointing toward the tire, place it between the treads. If you can see his whole head, it’s time for new tires. The next thing to check is the tire pressure. Because of the swings in temperatures, it’s important to make sure you check your tire pressure often. On extremally cold days, the pressure in the tire can drop to a dangerous level. You should always check the pressure anytime the temperature changes dramatically.

While these tips should help you handle Old Man Winter a little easier this year, the best way to make it to spring unscathed is to keep your HVAC system in peak running condition with regularly scheduled maintenance checkups. At Iceberg Heating & Cooling, we offer a variety of options to choose from with our Comfort Club™ membership program. Comfort Club™ provides you with regular system checks, bi-annual checkups, and service. This will ensure your unit is operating at its best and will meet manufacturer requirements for extended warranties. We’re on call, online, and always on time, so schedule an appointment today by calling the professionals at Iceberg Heating & Cooling at 734-342-3420, or email us.