Disclosure: I am proud to be a 3M-sponsored blogger, and as part of my responsibilities, I get the opportunity to evaluate 3M products. Opinions are my own and additional products used in the project were selected by me.
It’s that time of the year again, the time of year were we have to keep our windows shut from that cold air and that means all those germs, dust and dander get trapped in our house. This time of year we have a few maintenance tips that we do, just to make sure everything runs smoothly during the winter months. Below are them.
1. Stop Air Leaks:
Window air leaks can be sealed with caulking, also don’t forget to install a door sweep to take care of air leaks at the bottom of doors. A quick and easy weather-stripping treatment on windows and doors can help you save on heating bills.
2. Protect Your Pipes:
Pipes located in attics, crawl spaces, basements, and near outer walls can be susceptible to freezing in extreme temperatures. When the forecast calls for unusually cold temperatures, let water drip from hot and cold faucets overnight. Also try keeping cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate in places like below sinks. For exposed pipes in your attic, basement, or crawlspaces, add extra insulation around them. Disconnect your garden hoses and drain out any water remaining in the faucets. Any water left behind in un-drained pipes can freeze and expand, causing the pipes to burst.
3. Check your Fireplace or Wood Stove:
Check if your fireplace or wood stove is drafty. If the damper is closed but the air is still cold, the damper itself might be damaged or worn out. You can eliminate cold drafts by installing a chimney balloon or chimney pillow into the flue, which will create a tight air seal that stops not only drafts, but fireplace smoke and odor as well. Have the chimney professionally cleaned is another good option before you start to use them.
4. Change Your Filters:
This is a must! Remember to clean or replace filters once a month, or as needed. Check and clean the dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood, and room fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from furniture and draperies. When we change our Filtrete Healthy Living Ultimate Allergen Reduction Filter MPR 1900 it helps maintain an efficient heating and cooling system. Something that is very important in any household. To have a healthier home there are many things you can do. Getting a good quality filter is one. Dirty air filters restrict airflow and can make your entire cooling system up to 15 percent less efficient. Air filters are well worth the expense, especially if you or your other members of your family suffer from airborne allergies. Dirt and neglect are the primary causes of system failure.
Filtrete Filters help create a healthy home and healthier indoor air by capturing airborne dust, allergens, bacteria and viruses. So being able to filter the air in my home to allow for easier and healthier breathing is important. Most filters don’t protect against the smallest of irritants flowing through the house. Using Filtrete Filters, I know helps me keep my air cleaner for me and the kids. Regularly Changing our Filtrete Healthy Living Ultimate Allergen Reduction Filter (MPR 1900) is one way to help our system run efficiently because a dirty filter slows down airflow and makes the system work harder.
Head on over and check out Filtrete Filters and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.