(According to Science) How to Build the Perfect Snowman
If you’re lucky enough to get a good snow day this year, building a snowman is a great way to spend it. That said, building a snowman isn’t all fun and games. It’s hard work, and you want to make sure the end result is worth the sore legs and soggy pants. Here are some science- backed strategies for building the perfect snowman. CHOOSE THE RIGHT SNOW Snow is your artistic medium, so make sure you have the right material for your project. Yes, there is a wrong kind of snow to use when building a snowman. You want the snow to be moist enough that it packs well but not so slushy that it collapses under pressure. The ideal snow for building your masterpiece is freshly fallen snow when the temperature is around 32°F. If the snow isn’t quite right, you can moisten it a little by spraying water on it. LOCATION IS EVERYTHING Before you start stacking your snowman, pick the right location for it to hang out. Asphalt will heat up faster, so stick Frosty on a snowy lawn. If you can find a place that will be in the shade when the sun comes out, all the better. PAY ATTENTION TO PROPORTION As you roll the snowballs to form the head and body pieces, keep proportions in mind. This is important for the visual aesthetic of your snowman and overall stability.
Mathematician Dr. James Hind from Nottingham Trent University developed a
formula for building the perfect snowman. He recommended that a snowman be 64 inches tall, while the sections of the snowman should be 31 inches in diameter for the base, 20 inches in diameter for the middle, and 12 inches in diameter for the head.
Once your snowman is built, science has just one rule for decorating: Have fun. Grab a scarf and a top hat, a carrot nose and radish eyes,
or a fancy bow tie. Building the perfect snowman means building a snowman that will make you smile when you see it.
CLEAR THE WAY!
KEEP YOUR HVAC SYSTEM FREE OF SNOW
While you may not be able to control the weather, you can control how much it will affect your home, furnace, and wallet. (And we promise this is easier than shoveling your sidewalk!) As snow accumulates this winter, make sure your home’s HVAC system is protected. Heavy snow or ice buildup on or around the system can cause damage from excessive weight or leakage. Prevent this by using a brush or broom to sweep the snow, slush, and ice away from these pipes. If the accumulation is too thick or is frozen onto your HVAC system, do not attempt to chisel it off. You can crack or damage the entire system, which could leave you without heat and scrambling for a repair.
As you gently brush the snow off your system, clear a path around the heat pump and ventilation systems of your heating system. This will allow for proper air ventilation, which will keep your family safe inside, but it’s also a smart preventive move. Clearing a path and keeping your HVAC system free of snow, ice, and winter debris help your technician do their job more easily should your heating system need servicing. Back indoors, keep the area near your furnace or boiler free of flammable materials, clutter, or debris. These items could pose a safety hazard inside your home. Winter inspections can also be advantageous to your HVAC system by helping you avoid a dangerous wintertime disaster or major repairs. Aire Serv technicians can monitor your system for unhealthy signs and change the air filter for better, safer functionality. As you clear the sidewalk this winter, don’t forget to take a pass at your HVAC unit. But if, after you carefully clear your HVAC unit, winter storms still cause some damage or leave your family shivering this winter, give our Aire Serv of the Mid-Hudson Valley team a call at 845-256-6158.
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