5 New Year’s Resolutions For Your Home

We all start off the new year with the best intentions for self-improvement. And if your house could talk, it might have a few resolutions of its own. The good news is that these tasks are all relatively inexpensive and easier to accomplish than, say, exercising more or losing weight.

1. Change the furnace filter
A well-maintained furnace runs more efficiently. During the heating season filters should be checked monthly and cleaned or replaced as needed. Better disposable filters cost $10 to $30 but will last up to three months.

2. Check smoke and CO alarms
Batteries should be changed at least once a year. Smoke alarms usually need to be replaced every 10 years and carbon-monoxide alarms every five years. Check the alarm for its manufacture date. CO alarms should be on every level of your home, and smoke alarms should be in all bedrooms, hallways, the attic, and the basement. Remember, you need both smoke and CO alarms for the best protection.

3. Perform a radon test
After smoking, radon is a leading cause of lung cancer. Long-term test kits give you a more accurate idea of average radon levels, because levels can vary from day to day. Winter is a good time to test because doors and windows are likely to be closed and the home's stack effect is more likely to draw radon-containing soil gasses into the living space. Place the detector on the lowest level of your home.

4. Install a programmable thermostat
By automatically lowering the home's temperature by 5º to 10º F at night or when you're out, a programmable thermostat can pay for itself in less than a year. The trick is to get one that's easy to read and use. They can also help save on cooling costs.

5. Clean your humidifier
If dry indoor air in the winter has your humidifier working overtime, remember that it needs frequent cleaning. Minerals in tap water can cause an accumulation of scale, a breeding ground for bacteria. So check the owner's manual to see which parts need to be descaled with vinegar and disinfected with bleach. Filters and wicks also require periodic replacement. Hard water can increase scale buildup.

[Article courtesy of Consumer Reports magazine]