With the change of seasons from summer to fall, and fall to winter, Harried Happy Homeowners are faced with many challenges and demands on their time. There are many newsletters and advice pieces found in the mail from your electric & gas companies, as well as local HVAC contractors, yard companies and the like. Take a few minutes to review their checks lists. Along with their tips, here are a few other items you might consider for your to-do list:
- Small critters (e.g. mice, squirrels, etc.) are seeking warmth and shelter for the winter. It's important to watch for signs of entry, such a gnawing marks, scratches and holes where critters are trying to get inside the home. Once they're inside, the challenges of removal get tougher; so, head them off by preventing their gaining access. If you need help stopping them, let me know by using the "Contact" page.
- Insects are also seeking a warm place to hide from the cold, especially spiders working their way indoors. One way to prevent most insects from migrating into your cozy home is to treat the exterior areas by setting up a zone, much like a buffer around your home. Spreading a dry insecticide in a band, 2-3 feet wide around the entire house, in the yard and flower beds will help. Spraying a long-lasting (3-6 months) liquid home pest control on the foundation, around windows, and thresholds will help finish creating the buffer zone.
- Rebalance the air flow in your home. Reduce the temperature variances and cold spots. In most homes with more than one level (split level, 2-story, walk-out ranches, or even a traditional ranch with basements), you can improve comfort and energy savings by adjusting the duct dampers. By reducing the air flow to upper levels, and increasing flow in the lower levels it's easy to warm the home from the bottom up during the winter. (The reverse is true in the summer; cool the house from the top down.) This usually can be easily accomplished by adjusting the main trunk line dampers in the ductwork on the forced-air furnace/AC system just off the plenum. If you need help locating them, or adjusting them, shoot me a note using the "Contact" page.
- Save money... don't throw away good air filters. Most routine maintenance lists suggest to change your furnace filters on a regular schedule. Checking them is always a good idea. However, don't change them just because it's been 30, 60 or 90 days... whatever your schedule is. Most filters don't start becoming efficient until they are 10% or more filled. Dirt attracts dirt and the efficiency improves gradually. If you can hold your filter up to the light and see a lot of light coming through, it may not be all that dirty. Mark the date on the filter and put it back in for another 30 days, or longer. On the other hand, if the filter is dark grey, or blocks out most of the light, or is even bent from the air struggling to get through it, by all means change it. ...and, don't forget to change your whole-house humidifier pad each year to avoid over-use and potential health hazards.
This is not meant to be an all-inclusive listing; instead, it might help you start thinking about other issues which often get overlooked. If you have any questions, or need help assessing a heating & air-conditioning comfort problem, or anything else, please drop me a note using the "Contact" page on the website.
Stay warm and snuggle by the fire. The Harried Happy Homeowner