Fall is approaching and we would like to share some useful tips with our customers for their indoors.

Conduct an Energy Audit 

A certified energy auditor can evaluate your home’s current energy efficiency and give you a list of recommended improvements you can make, which may include upgrading to Energy Star appliances, adding insulation to the attic, adding up weather stripping or replacing a door or window.

Change your Furnace Filter

Furnace filters trap dust that is circulating in your duct work that would otherwise be deposited on your furniture, woodwork, and so on. Clogged filters make it harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, and can serious increase your utility bills. A simple monthly cleaning is all it takes to keep these filters breathing free and clear. Replace your Furnace filter every three month or whenever it is dirty.

Schedule a Heating system Maintenance 

Service and tune-up of your Furnace, Boiler or Heat pump is very important to keep you equipment running and maintained and in working order before you need to turn on the heat is an important safety measure. Once a year the heating system should cleaned and serviced to avoid any unexpected failure.

Clean Laundry Dryer Vents

Lint buildup in dryer vents can make your dryer work less efficiently and even cause a fire — cool, dry fall weather increases static electricity, which can ignite lint that has built up. This is the best time to get that lint out. You can hire a professional duct cleaning specialist to clean the laundry vents for you, or clean the vent yourself by using a vacuum cleaner. It is recommended once a year.

Check Safety Devices

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Replace the batteries in each smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detector, then vacuum them with a soft brush attachment. Test the detectors by pressing the test button or holding a smoke source (like a blown-out candle) near the unit. Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement.

Fire Extinguishers: Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher rated for all fire types (look for an A-B-C rating on the label). At a minimum, keep one near the kitchen; having one per floor isn’t a bad idea. Annually, check the indicator on the pressure gauge to make sure the extinguisher is charged. Make certain that the lock pin is intact and firmly in place, and check that the discharge nozzle is not clogged. Clean the extinguisher and check it for dents, scratches, and corrosion. Replace if the damage seems severe. Note: Fire extinguishers that are more than six years old should be replaced. Mark the date of purchase on the new unit with a permanent marker.

Add Weatherstripping

Use weatherstripping in your home to seal air leaks around movable building components, such as doors or operable windows. For stationary components, caulk is the appropriate material for filling cracks and gaps. Before applying weatherstripping in an existing home, you will need to detect the air leaks and assess your ventilation needs to ensure adequate indoor air quality. Add door sweeps to the base of drafty doors to keep heat in and cold air out.