Attic ventilation is critical for not only summer cooling performance but also the longevity of the structure of your house.
Attic Ventilation
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HVAC
Curtain Help
To save on heating and cooling costs, close your curtains and shades at night; open them during the day.
Chimney Inspection
A plugged or blocked chimney could cause the products of combustion to back up and filter through your home…and that is very dangerous to your health. So inspect your chimney each fall. It’s simple and only takes a few minutes of your time.
Chimney Liners
Have your chimney sweep ensure that your chimney has an appropriate liner. Chimney liners are required in new construction to separate hot heating system emissions from the structure of your home.
Generator CO
Never use a generator in enclosed or partially-enclosed spaces. Generators can produce high levels of CO very quickly. When you use a portable generator, remember that you cannot smell or see CO. Even if you can’t smell exhaust fumes, you may still be exposed to CO. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air right away. Do not delay. The CO from generators can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. If you experience serious symptoms, get medical attention immediately. Inform medical staff that CO poisoning is suspected. If you experienced symptoms while indoors, have someone call the fire department to determine when it is safe to reenter the building.
Vapor Barrier
When building a house or addition with a crawl space underneath, make sure to install a vapor barrier to prevent moisture infiltration into the floor system.
Proportioned AC
Using the properly sized room air conditioner is important for comfort and efficiency. Buying too large a unit will chill the air without removing humidity, leaving you feeling cold and clammy. Talk to your dealer to determine the right size for your needs.
Window Insulation
Weatherstrip and caulk all cracks between the wall and the window trim, especially under the window sills. Replace broken glass and putty any loose window panes. Caulk around the moving parts of windows with a strip-away, non-permanent caulk during the winter. This type caulk can be removed easily in the spring.
Chimney Fire Plan
Do you know what to do during a chimney fire? Call the fire department and exit the house – just like any other house fire. Many people choose not to do this, but if the fire does spread, don’t you want the firefighters there already?
Humidify Your Home
Humid air feels warmer than dry air. Increasing the humidity of your home also helps you resist winter colds and moisturizes dry skin. Operating a room humidifier will make you feel more comfortable. If your heating system has a humidifier, make sure that it’s functioning properly.
You can also add humidity by keeping house plants. Plants clean the air and add moisture to it at the same time. Putting trays of water on top of radiators also helps. So does leaving the bathroom door open after a shower, to let that warm steamy air circulate through the house.
