It’s February and the month of love. So for this month, we are extending that affection to our homes with a series of blog posts. This week’s blog post focuses keeping the heat going in your home and doing it more efficiently.
Check your furnace filter. If you have noticed that your home is dustier than usual, it might not just be because you are spending more time inside. It may actually have to do something with your furnace filter. Especially in the middle of winter, your furnace is working much harder than usual, and as a result, it may be time to change your filter. Doing so will help your furnace system’s efficacy, better your home’s energy efficiency, and improve the air quality in your home.
Some quick tips: be sure to check your manufacturer label on your filter to see when it needs to be changed. Time frame’s range from 1-6 months. Also, once you know how often you should change your filter, make note of it, whether it is a reminder on your phone, a note on your calendar, or write the date of change on the new filter directly.
Clean your vent covers. Just like your furnace filter, cleaning your vent covers can help your heater/air conditioner run more effectively. It can also help decrease the amount of allergens in your home. It is suggested that you tackle this job twice a year, once in the winter and once in the summer time.
Prior to taking on the project, first be sure to turn off your heat (or A/C). Second, put away your spray bottle. To properly clean your vent covers, it is recommended to leave the water and other spray solutions behind as they can cause dust and other debris to end up on your ceilings and/or walls. Rather, use a dusting brush attachment on your vacuum or a microfiber duster/cloth.
Seal drafty windows. Unfortunately, the groundhog saw his shadow, which means there is six more weeks of winter upon us. Whether you believe in the groundhog or not, there is still time to seal up your drafty windows.
If you are unsure of whether or not your windows need to be sealed, Energy Star, an EPA sponsored agency, suggests looking for the following signs around your windows:
- Outdoor odors seeping inside;
- Evidence of pests entering from outdoors;
- Dust, grime present at the holes;
- Visible gaps/holes;
- Peeling paint.
Once you have determined whether or not you need to seal your windows, there are kits, such as by 3M, available at your local hardware store to help you get started. Insulating your windows in the middle of winter can help you save some dough and energy in your home.
Give yourself a few minutes in the next couple of days to consider your filter, your vent covers, and your windows. Your wallet will probably thank you for it. Plus, there are plenty of other reasons to get cozy on the couch other than a drafty window.