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Keep
your house warm this winter Maintaining
your heating system and ensuring your house has adequate
insulation can make the difference between a shivery winter and
a cozy one. Here are some specific steps you can take to stay
warm:
- Heating. You want
to know that your heater still works before the cold weather
hits and that your furnace is not leaking odorless,
flammable and poisonous carbon monoxide fumes. So have your
furnace or heating system serviced.
- Ducts. Check for
leaks in the seams. These can be repaired with duct tape.
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry
recommends cleaning heating ducts every five years, more
often if you have pets.
- Filters. Clean or
replace furnace filters once a month or so. According to the
American Lung Association, this reduces the potential for
health problems including irritation of the eyes, decreased
lung function, allergic reactions and cancer. To change or
clean the filter, remove it from the slot beside the furnace
and clean it or insert a new one. Write down the size of
filter that fits your furnace before going to the store.
- Insulation. Proper
insulation in the roof keeps moisture out of the house and
reduces your heating bills. Nine inches of insulation is
recommended for most homes. The important areas to check are
the attic, garage and crawlspace.
- Carbon monoxide and fire
detectors. If your carbon monoxide and fire detectors
are not wired in, this is a good time to check the
batteries.
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