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Checklist:
Cleaning the Air in Your Home
Studies show that many times, the dirtiest air we breathe
is in our homes. This is especially true if the ducts that
deliver the air have dust and dirt build up. If someone in
your home has allergies or you would like to reduce the number
of contaminates in the air in your home, follow these steps:
• Hire a duct cleaning service to vacuum and clean the
air vents and ducts.
• Change the filter on your furnace regularly. A clean
filter will keep your furnace running efficiently, too.
• Install an electronic air cleaner to help members of
your household with allergies or asthma by reducing airborne
particles.
• Changing filters regularly to help air cleaners run
efficiently.
• Replace your vacuum bags regularly.
• Dust and clean regularly, especially if you have pets.
• Air-out dry cleaned items before bringing them indoors.
• Reduce chemical use and purchase cleaners that are
friendly to the environment.
• A certain amount of pollen and dust is normal in the
environment. You can however, make the air in your home easier
to breathe for people with allergies and other respiratory
ailments.
Checklist: Monthly Maintenance
• Fire extinguisher - Check that it’s fully charged
and recharge if necessary. Be sure you have an adequate number
located in kitchen, garage, and basement.
• Smoke detector - Clean battery or indicator light.
• Sink and tub stoppers - Flush with hot water and baking
soda.
• Steam heating system - Test relief valve and replace
if necessary; check pressure gauge and drain expansion tank
if necessary.
• Forced warm air heating system - Check blankets and
replace if needed; check air flow; clean or repair unit if
necessary.
• Evaporative air conditioner - Clean or replace air
filter; clean condenser or evaporator coils and condensate
drain; remove snow and/or debris from outdoor portion of unit.
• Heat pump - Clean or replace filter; clean condenser
and evaporator coils and condensate drain.Tip: Boiler and
Radiator Heating Systems
While one of the advantages of boiler and radiator systems
is their long life and low maintenance, they should still
be serviced annually to ensure trouble-free operation. You
can easily learn to check the safety valve and the pressure
and water level gauges, but for safety reasons, heating system
maintenance should be done by a qualified Service Professional.
Routine annual service should include checking the controls
and gauges, and inspecting and adjusting the burner. In addition,
the chimney and flues should be inspected for blockages or
leaks. If it is a steam heating system, the air valves on
the radiators should be checked and adjusted to regulate the
heat.
Tip: Repair a Boiler Heating System
This information can clarify and help answer some questions.
Radiator problems: The familiar hammering sound of hot-water
radiators happens because of trapped air; for steam-heated
radiators, it's that an inlet valve is partly closed or there
is trapped water in the system.
No heat in the system could be from a lack of power, low water,
burner malfunction or a broken thermostat. Too much heat could
come from a defective thermostat, check valve or zone valve.
Tip: Repair Central A/C - Electric
This information will help clarify and answer some of the
questions.
Common A/C problems: If your central air conditioning isn't
performing up to par or isn't performing at all, here are
some easy troubleshooting tips that you should try before
contacting a Service Professional.
• If the compressor doesn't turn on, check the fuse and
breaker.
• If it runs but doesn't cool, the refrigerant could
be low.
If that's the case, call a service professional.
• Check to see if the condenser coils on both sides are
dirty. If they are, brush and vacuum them. (This is a good
idea to perform at least twice a season.)
• If the A/C is performing inefficiently (partial cooling),
check to make sure the condenser is clean, also check to see
if the filter is clean.
• If the water leaks at the furnace, it could be a clogged
drainpipe from the evaporator coil pan. Check the pipe and
clear it if it is clogged.
Tip: Heating Furnace Repairs
This information can clarify and help answer some questions.
Common problems: When your forced air heat needs repair, the
problem can be either in the furnace itself, the venting that
carries the heat throughout the house, or in the electrical
system connection with the thermostat that regulates the temperature.
Forced air systems have become increasingly energy efficient
in the last decade. If your system may have worked better
years ago, you may want to consider having it completely replaced.
Cold Weather Survival Tips
For your house:
1. Close cut-off valves to and open all exterior faucets.
2. For pipes prone to freezing, leave nearby faucet dripping
on coldest nights.
3. If away, have a neighbor check on things daily.
4. Be prepared with back-up heat sources such as firewood
or space heaters.
5. Keep flashlight with fresh batteries handy.
6. Keep a few jugs of extra drinking water on hand.
7. Don’t use kerosene heaters in an enclosed space.
8. Don’t heat up the car in the garage with the garage
door closed.
9. Make sure your chimney damper is closed when not in use.
10. Make sure you have snowmelt and a snow shovel on hand.
11. Check that all storm windows and windows are closed and
latched.
12. Make sure that attic insulation does not cover eave or
soffit vents.
13. Check for drafts around doors and windows and replace
weather stripping where necessary.
14. Close curtains at night to help insulate windows.
15. Minimize use of kitchen and bath exhaust fans.
For
your car:
1. Use sandbags or other heavy objects to add weight to the
trunk of rear-wheel drive cars.
2. Place sand, kitty litter, or brown paper bags in trunk
to help with traction on ice.
3. Keep two windshield scrapers on hand.
4. Keep a flashlight, candles and matches in the glove box.
5. Carry a good sleeping bag or blankets and a space blanket
in case you get stranded.
6. Never travel without good waterproof boots.
7. Install snow tires or carry chains.
8. Refill the gas tank when it is half empty.
9. Check the windshield fluid every time you get gas.
10. Get a cigarette lighter adapter to extend the charge of
your cell phone.
11. If stranded, stay with your car and:* Slightly open window
on the side of the car away from the wind.
* Run the car heater and engine for 10 minutes each hour.
* Leave the dome light on when the engine is running to make
you more visible.
* Keep your exhaust pipe free of snow.
* Exercise and flex your limbs to keep your heart rate up.
For
you:
1. Wear clothing in layers so you can add or subtract items
to prevent chills or sweating.
2. Mittens are much warmer than gloves in extreme cold.
3. Covering the head, face, neck and shoulders is important
in extreme cold.
4. Use oversized boots with room for extra socks, still leaving
wiggle room for your toes.
5. Alcohol makes you feel warmer, but actually, speeds heat
loss.
6. If you feel sleepy, get indoors fast. If you can’t
get somewhere warm, walk briskly or do jumping jacks to increase
your heart rate.
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