Change Out Your Home HVAC Filters Routinely

Attached is an article I found recently that describes very well just how important it is to change out your home HVAC air filters on a routine basis. You may not agree with all the points the author proposes but the main take away is just how important these seemingly inexpensive items are to our health and utility costs.

Why you must change your air filters…every month!

by Adrienne Bashista

Mark, our energy auditor, recently did an audit on a fairly new, 3500 square foot house, whose owners reported unusually high energy costs. He did the audit and found that the house was pretty tight – HVAC ducts had fewer leaks than normal, and the attic was tight, as was the rest of the home’s envelope. There was no reason for their bills to be so high…except that they hadn’t changed their air filters since they moved in, a year and a half ago.

Because the air filters were clogged the HVAC system had to work extra hard to get any conditioned air into the home. In fact, the first thing he noticed before he even began testing the home for leaks is that a lot of noise was coming from the air returns. He could literally hear the resistance of the air getting into and out of the home.

Most homes will have energy inefficiencies above and beyond something so simple as dirty air filters, but it’s worth emphasizing that this is an important part of energy efficiency in the home – changing out your air filters is cheap, simple, and can have big impact on energy use and air quality.

There are basically three kinds of air filters available on the market right now: reusable, washable filters; pleated filters that block a lot of air but trap more particles – often advertised as helping people with allergies; and thin, less expensive, fiberglass or polyfil filters.

You would think that since we have a green business we’d tell you to get the reusable filters – but you’d be wrong! Although we are all for reusing, reducing, and recycling, in this case there are a couple of reasons not to use the reusable air filters. First, for them to be effective you need to clean them every single month. For many people this won’t be an issue, but for those who aren’t systematic about things like this the particle build-up on the reusable filters if they’re not cleaned every month can cause your HVAC system to work harder than it should, and it could be a health and safety hazard, depending on how long you let it go on.
Second, when you wash them they need to be 100% dry before you put them back or you could be spreading mold and mildew throughout your home, which is the opposite of what these filters are supposed to do. Washing them also doesn’t get rid of all the contaminants – obviously defeating the purpose of air filters once again.

For most people, too, we don’t advise the pleated filters, largely because most homes’ HVAC duct systems are designed using lots of flex ducts, which forces the HVAC unit to work hard to push air through. Add a pleated filter to this situation and the HVAC unit’s life can be shortened.

If you have a lot of allergies and you want to use the pleated filters, you should talk to an HVAC technician to see if your home’s ductwork will work with these filters. You may have to have your ductwork redesigned so that the filters can be effective.

So what’s left? The cheap fiberglass or polyfil filters (purchased through a HVAC supply company, like C.C. Dixon) are what we recommend. They are inexpensive, provide good filtration, but not too good (thus blocking air flow and causing your HVAC system to work hard), and work with all homes’ HVAC systems.
The downside is, of course, that they’re disposable, not biodegradable, and thus add to our trash problem. As someone who composts and recycles everything she can, I have a problem with basic wastefulness – but at the same time, there’s no really good alternatives on the market right now. It’d be great if someone came up with a biodegradable air filter – we’ll be happy to test this product when it comes on the market – but for now we have to stick with recommending old school air filters…as long as you remember to change them!

My Favorite Tools To Use Around The House

Most of us find after a period of time that there are favorite tools that we use around the house that make our life so much easier.  That applies to handy men as well as weekend warriors.  I have my list and I am sure you have yours.  Attached are pictures of mine and how useful I have found them to be in the past and currently.


This is a five-in-one hand tool that I recently purchased from a home supply store which has proven to the perfect adaptation of a putty knife, pry blade, scraper blade, paint scraper, grout remover, wall paper utility knife and carpet tucker.  If you don't have one, get it.



This is a Yankee screwdriver which is really a push drill which I have had for over 35 years.  It allows you to install almost any size small bit and position small holes in sheet rock, wood, plaster or wall board.  I usually use it when a battery powered drill I have is too large, heavy or just won't fit in an area where I need a pilot hole or other small penetration.

 
A ratchet screw driver is another tool I have owned for many years.  It fits my arthritic hands perfectly and allows me to get much more leverage on screws of almost any size than any other hand tool,  It accepts heads hex end heads that will fit any screw design.

This is a kit of multiple driver heads for almost all sizes and shapes of screw heads which can be used in the ratchet screw driver above or you personal drill.  It also has drill bits for drilling many size holes up to 3/8" and spade bits up to 3/4".  It is one of the best collections of bits I have ever seen and use them often.

This handy jig is what I now use to hang mirrors, pictures and about any wall hanging.  It is sturdy enough to hold with one hand, support up to about 40 pounds to allow you to mark perfectly holes for mounting your pictures and mirrors.  It was a gift and I didn't use it for quite a while but when I did, it was great.  I now use it for almost all my hanging needs.  As an engineer, I am precise with measurements and have found this tool to make that much easier for me.


I hope this definition of my treasured hand tools is helpful and that you will find them of value in helping make your weekend projects go quicker and with greater ease.

Spring Cleaning Easy Tips

Are you getting excited about spring?  You, me and probably 200 million of our countrymen most likely are.  There is something about the new growth in spring that brings out this type reaction in most of us.  These comments are provided to show you how easy the freshening up of your home can be if you want to do it yourself.  Many are items you already know but if you are like me, we tend to forget during the cold and dreariness of fall and winter.  Try them and see what you think.

Windows are always a challenge but can be tamed with some old tried and proven techniques.  Streak-free windows can be achieved by using crumpled old newspaper with a vinegar and water solution for cleaning and/or squeegees to remove streaks.  You can also buy a combination cleaning sponge tool like the one I use with a squeegee on the back side that allows you to have all your tools in one hand.

Hard surfaces in your home can be attacked with many of the old as well as new cleaners on the market.  They can be applied and removed with paper towels, sometimes applied directly to the towel to use less and save dollars in the process.  There are also special micro-fiber cloths and mitts that are good alternatives and can be washed when you are finished and reused.

Carpet cleaning can be a challenge but in recent years, several new products have come to market that do an excellent job.  The key is and has always been to try to blot stains (never rub) as soon as they occur but sometimes that is not possible.  Some of the newer products will remove old stains if you follow instructions very closely (blot and do not brush or rub).

For your bath tub, keeping that ring from forming may not be as difficult as one might think.  A tip recently shared is to add a little degreasing dish soap to the bath water once you finish the bath.  Agitate the water a bit as it begins to drain and the ring will come off.  If you have a whirlpool tub, all the better, just leave the pump on as the tub starts to drain but shut it off before you get below the highest water jet as it will make large splashes on you, the floor and potentially the walls.

Ovens are also an area where issues can quickly occur.  An old tried and proven trick, even with electric self cleaning ovens is to sprinkle a generous amount of salt on overspills, even as food is cooking.  It can then easily be wiped up with an oven mitt and wet rags as soon as you remove your food.  You just need to be careful with the mitt not to burn yourself on the hot racks and oven walls.

While there is no panacea for cleaning, I hope these ideas are helpful and remind you of some of the old techniques that really work.

Home Maintenance - Why Do It

All home owners wonder from time to time why they ever bought a home, particularly when it comes time to perform some maintenance on it.  Like you, I have asked that question many times but given the choice of having a landlord and renting or owning my own home, I prefer owning.  Given that choice, which some may disagree with in today’s market, it means I must maintain it or have the work performed by others.

 

Why should I maintain it in the first place?  Since many pundits say that we should only maintain when something is broken (i.e. if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it), why not wait and save money?  That is of course the $64,000 question.  For a start, our home is generally our largest single investment.  As such, we must protect that investment so that it has the potential to at least maintain its value or maybe even increase in good times.  In today’s market, there is no guarantee of increases in home value but you can bet that if a home is poorly maintained, its value will most likely decrease, even in good times.

What is the break-even point for preventative maintenance vs. breakdown maintenance?  There are of course many ways to respond to this question.  One is to say that breakdowns always seem to come at the worst possible time and lead to the highest cost and discomfort to perform.  My experience is that breakdowns are like this and are a perfect example of Murphy’s Law (i.e. if something bad can happen, it will always come at the worst time and with the worst consequences).    An example of this is when our central air conditioning unit fails during the heat of the summer.  This is usually a time when a repair man is at his highest utilization, highest cost and availability is limited.  As a result, we become very uncomfortable for a longer period of time and end up paying more for the repair because parts are probably equally longer for delivery when something major happens.  An example of preventive maintenance in this case is when we service this equipment before every season to increase the odds that no issues will come up in the winter and summer.  By preventing major issues, we get three major results:  1) equipment will last longer improving the amortization of the original cost, 2) we will not be out the major cost of breakdown repairs and 3) we will not be inconvenienced with failed equipment.

Should we perform the maintenance ourselves or have others do it for us?  This question also has multiple answers.  Do you enjoy doing repairs around the house?  Do you have the knowledge and time to perform maintenance on your property?  If the answer is yes to both, then by all means you should do it on your own.  Enjoying the performance of work is always best when you can do it for yourself and your family.   Do you not have the time or inclination to self perform home maintenance?  If you answer yes, then you need to hire a professional to do it for you.

Whatever your choice, maintenance is critical for your home as it helps maintain your home’s value and your potential return on your investment.  In addition, you will likely find that you enjoy your home much more as a result of the process.  Now go have fun!

Tips for Spring Gardening

Spring Gardening Tips

Follow the 10 tips outlined below for a welcoming garden that's filled with color and fragrance -- and song.

Survey the Yard

Make note of tree limbs that should be removed or cabled, especially those that overhang structures. Hire an arborist to maintain large trees.Cut down last year's perennial foliage, and toss it into the compost pile. Rake mulch from beds planted with bulbs before foliage appears, and refresh mulch in other planting areas after soil warms. Check fences, steps, and pathways for disrepair caused by freezing and thawing.

Order Tools and Plants

Tune up tools so everything is ready when things start growing. Make note of what is missing, and order tools for the new growing season. Choose new plants for the garden. Order perennials, trees, and shrubs for spring planting.

Get Ready to Mow

 Send the mower and leaf blower for servicing, or if you have the right tools, sharpen the mower blades yourself. Refill your mower with oil, install fresh spark plugs, and lubricate moving parts if necessary. Clear the lawn of winter debris, and look for areas that need reseeding before mowing.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

Remove dead, damaged, and diseased branches from woody plants. Thin and trim summer-blooming shrubs such as butterfly bush, hydrangea, and most roses, except for old-fashioned once bloomers. Prune cold-damaged wood after plants resume spring growth. Prune spring-blooming shrubs and trees after flowering.

Take a Soil Test

Check soil pH with a home soil- test kit, taking several samples from different planting areas for an accurate reading. Enrich soil as necessary: Add dolomitic lime to raise the pH or elemental sulfur to lower the pH.
Prepare New BedsClear the planting area as soon as soil can be worked, removing sod or weeds and debris. Spread a 4-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure and any amendments over soil, and cultivate it to a depth of 10 to 12 inches with a spading fork.

Plant

Plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and perennials such as hostas and daylilies by early spring. Choose a cool, cloudy day if possible. Transplant container-grown plants anytime during the growing season except midsummer; be sure to water them thoroughly. Sow seeds of cool-season flowers like sweet peas, poppies, and calendula, and vegetables such as lettuce, parsley, and spinach.

Fertilize

Apply balanced fertilizer (6-6-6 or 8-8-8), fish emulsion, or other soil amendments recommended by soil-test results around trees and shrubs when new growth appears. Spread high-acid fertilizer and pine-needle mulch around acid-loving shrubs like azaleas and camellias. Begin fertilizing perennials when active growth resumes.

Start a Compost Pile

Start a compost pile, or use a compost bin, if you don't have one already. Begin by collecting plant debris and leaves raked up from the garden. Chop these up first to speed decomposition. Add equal amounts "brown" (carbon-rich) materials like dried leaves and straw and "green" (nitrogen-rich) materials like grass clippings and weeds in even layers with water and a compost bioactivator. Turn regularly. Continue adding to the pile throughout the season for rich, homemade compost next spring.

Clean Bird Feeders and Baths

Disinfect the feeders by scrubbing with weak bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach: 2 gallons warm water). Rinse and dry the feeders thoroughly before refilling them.Scrub birdbaths with bleach solution, then rinse them thoroughly and refill, changing water weekly. Clean birdbaths and feeders regularly throughout the season.

Guide to Spring Home Maintenance

The Slackers' Guide to Spring Home Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is crucial to the value of your home. Keep your place in tip-top shape with regular check-ups to save you the headache and cost of emergency repairs.

• Reprinted from HGTV 

OUTDOOR MAINTENANCE

Divert Water

Gutters do their job best when clean. Check yours for foliage build-up, particularly if trees hover over the roof. The rainy season is a prime time to ensure all drainage areas remain unblocked by leaves and/or debris. Trapped moisture can leave a house susceptible to moss and mildew and cause major damage to your roof and walls. While you’re at it, make sure the downspout is clean and pointing 2-2-1/2 feet away from foundation walls.

Retain the Roof

It’s easy to take for granted the one thing that shields you from the elements. But doing so could cost you unnecessary repair costs. Be diligent about roof maintenance. After the next rainy day, inspect your ceiling for wet spots. Ask a licensed professional to inspect your roof for wear and tear. "If the shingles are curling, buckling or crackling, it’s time to replace the roof," according to Dan Cornwell, president of CC&L Roofing in Portland, Ore.

Check Your Paint Job
 

Look for chipped, cracked paint along the exterior of your home. "The worse thing you can do is leave wood exposed, because that’s when it will begin to rot," says Brian Gummel, president of The Painting Company in Edgewater, Md. Scrape off any failing paint. Sand it down so there are no rough edges, prime the bare wood surface and paint it with a high quality paint product. Don’t wait until siding accumulates too much dirt. Brighten up the house with a good power washing.

Cut Shrubs and Trees
 

Trim overgrown trees and hedges away from your home to discourage the growth of mildew and moisture. Branches should be at least 7 feet away from the exterior of your house to prolong the life of your siding and roof. Get rid of out-of-control vines, as they can help crack siding and allow moisture and pests entry into your home.

Love Your Lawn
 

Rake up the excess leaves you didn’t get around to last fall. Too many can suffocate your grass and stop it from growing. "Pull up weeds, and remove foilage from the lawn, shrubs and any plants," says Neal Julien, landscaping expert with Neal Works Landscaping in Capitol Heights, Md. Pull up dead flowers and replace them with a low-maintenance variety such as pansies, begonias or mums.

INDOOR MAINTENANCE

Keep the Air Fresh

With warm, sticky days ahead, do yourself a favor and give your air conditioning unit a little TLC. Not only does it cool you down, but an efficient air conditioner removes moisture and humidity from your home, which in excess, can damage its foundation. So if you aren’t changing air filters monthly, start now. A unit free of dust and dirt runs more efficiently, saving you money on your energy bill. While you’re there, check hose connections for leaks. Make sure the drain pans are draining freely. If you suspect a problem, contact a certified technician.

Watch Windows and Doors
 

Investigate all doors and windows for leaks and drafts, particularly near the corners. Look for peeling and chipping paint, which can signal water intrusion. Seal any open areas between the frame and the wall to keep out water, which can deteriorate building materials. Neglecting these tasks can open up potential for environmental hazards like mold growth, experts say.

Control Pests
 

Keep garbage and debris under control around the exterior of your home. "Do what you would do inside, and get rid of junk," says Genma Holmes, owner of Holmes Pest Control in Hermitage, Tenn. Inside, check the house for entrances and gaps where mice and insects may be tempted to come through. Seal up cracks, even if you just did so in the winter. Mulching the yard this spring? Use a liner underneath. "It’s good to keep a barrier between your mulch and your home," she says.

Take a Peek at the Plumbing
 

Except for a coffee maker, anything dripping in your house is a bad sign. Check for leaking faucets or sweating pipes, clogged drains and faulty water drainage systems. On laundry day, look at the washing machine hoses for bulges, cracks or dampness. Check under the kitchen sink for leaks, and make note of wetness around the dishwasher. Inspect your water heater for leaks and corrosion.

Tackle the Tiles

While you’re in spring-cleaning mode, pay attention to worn grout between floor tiles in the bathroom or kitchen. A small crack in the grout or caulk can lead to an expensive repair later. If necessary, re-seal as soon as possible. For the bath, get into the habit of wiping down shower walls and tub after each use to eliminate soap and scum build-up.

Light Bulb Energy Usage Comparisons

This analysis is reproduced from AARP Magazine.