HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2015-10-29, Page 24PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015.
Being winter-ready requires time, effort that pay off
MS –If boots, a warm hat and a
tuned-up snow blower are the only
items on your winter preparation list,
your home maintenance plan may
need a makeover. These simple
home maintenance projects can help
lower your energy bills, prevent
more costly repairs and/or increase
the lifespan of your home.
• Heating and Ventilation:
Examine your fireplace and chimney
system to ensure that no soot or
creosote has collected. Any cracks or
voids could potentially cause a fire.
Before you turn the furnace or boiler
on, replace the air filter and hire a
professional to inspect the unit more
thoroughly. These steps will improve
the efficiency and life of your
furnace and will ensure stable indoor
air quality.
• Seal Windows and Doors:If not
properly sealed, windows and doors
can be a major culprit for heat loss.
To keep the warm air inside, inspect
the weather-stripping around your
home’s windows and doors for leaks,
rot or decay. Repair or replace
structural framing, and caulk inside
and out, if necessary.
• Insulate well:One of the easiest
and most effective defences against
heat loss is proper insulation.
Prevent cold drafts from entering
and the loss of heated air through
basement headers, which, when left
exposed, can make your furnace
work harder.
Look for a moisture-resistant
product offering high thermal
performance. The insulation
will help improve energy
efficiency as soon as it's in place
and provide savings over the
lifetime of your home.
• Backyard Care:Save your
property from potential damage by
trimming overgrown trees and
shrubs to prevent ice-laden branches
from thrashing against electrical
wires and your home's exterior.
Drain/shut off any exterior faucets
and sprinkler systems to prevent
freezing. Ensure rain or snow drains
away from the house to avoid
foundation problems.
• Roof and Gutters: Inspect your
roof for shingles that are warped,
damaged or even missing to prevent
a future leak. Use roofing cement
and a caulking gun to seal joints
where water could penetrate,
such as around the chimney,
skylights or vent pipes. Make
sure that your gutters
and downspouts are securely
fastened. Downspouts should extend
at least five feet away from the home
to prevent flooding.
When it comes to preventative
maintenance, a little time and effort
can save thousands in energy costs
and repair bills over the lifetime of
your home.
Blyth Construction Ltd.
Dwight Chalmers
82992 Allboro Line, Box 59
Blyth, ON N0M 1H0
Tel: 519.523.4766
Fax: 519.523.9164
Cell: 519.525.7125
Email: d.chalmers@tcc.on.ca
WINDOWS • DOORS • SIDING • EAVESTROUGH
FAX:
519-482-7793
PHONE:
519-482-3322
QUALITY SERVICE SINCE 1982and
24 Princess St. W., Clinton
www.clintonglassandmirror.com
• Carpets
• Blinds
• Upholstery
519-482-9010
Satisfying Customers for over 17 Years
mec@tcc.on.ca
MOST CARPETS WILL DRY WITHIN 1-2 HOURS
• Trusted & Convenient In-Home Service
• Safe & Non-Toxic For Children & Pets
• Carpets Stay Cleaner Longer
• Guaranteed Service • Residential & Commercial
• Oriental Rug Specialist • Blind Cleaning
• Ultrasonic Blind Cleaning including Verticals
MEYERS ELITE IS DRIER, HEALTHIER
Tim Ducharme
519-525-0138
Greg Nixon
519-501-8151
Seaforth, ON
Winter preparation can be a long list
Houses are a lot like automobiles and children in that you have to make sure they are properly
outfitted for the season they are in. Just like putting on winter tires or snow boots, homes need
to be prepared for winter weather from the ground up. (MS photo)
Clean air means health living
Continued from page 19
incidences of asthma have increased
fourfold in the past 15 years.
Furthermore, 52 per cent of those
households linked poor indoor air
quality as a direct cause.
Yet, even as the issue’s prevalence
grows, homeowners can take some
preventative measures and
precautions to safeguard their health
and improve indoor air quality, as
follows:
• Store varnishes, paint, and
solvents outside of the home. Opt for
a storage area with good ventilation
to deter the effects of off-gassing.
Paints, varnishes and solvents can
emit volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) that are potentially harmful
to human health and the
environment.
• Prevent and remove all
household mould. Ensure there is
adequate ventilation in rooms prone
to water vapour, namely the
washroom. Likewise, fix leaks in
pipes, walls or floors or on the roof.
Invest in a dehumidifier to control
humidity levels in your home.
Mould and mildew are
known contributors to allergies
and asthma.
• Invest in an air purifier. Our
homes routinely harbour pet dander,
dust, dust mites and other allergens,
as well as harmful VOCs.
An effective solution to improve
indoor air is to use a high-quality air
purifier with an electrostatic
precipitator.
• Introduce house plants into your
home. Some plants can be very
effective at improving air quality
and even removing harmful VOCs
like benzene, formaldehyde,
trichloroethylene, xylene and
toluene. Good plant choices include
aloe vera, dracaena 'Janet Craig',
areca palm, and dragon tree.
Improving household air quality is
essential to maintaining optimal
health and ensuring a safer indoor
environment. Following these tips
will help you breathe easy.
519-524-2440
Toll Free 1-800-450-4333 • Fax 519-524-9658
• FIRE RESTORATION
• CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY STEAM CLEANING
• HIGH PRESSURE, HOT WATER, POWER WASHING
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