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How To Avoid The Cold Comfort Of A Drafty House

For those who live in older homes, the transition to colder weather can be extra disheartening, as the vision of expensive heating bills, chilly rooms and drafty windows dance in their heads. However, it’s easy to change the outlook fromcoldtocozywithafewsimple DIY solutions.

The most effective way to improve the comfort level in your home is to properly insulate. Insulation can beinadequateinolderhomes.Over time, it can settle and compact, creating gaps. Topping up attic insulation will help keep the warm air in, reducing heating bills and preventing stress on your furnace. For easy installation, homeowners andprofessionalsalikerecommend a stone wool batt insulation. For attics, aim for an r-value of R-50 or adepthof16inches.

A little preparation can go a long way to keep the cold at bay. Seal out drafts by replacing worn weatherstripping and caulking along windows, doors, baseboards, and trim. For other ways to beat the cold, consider inexpensive window insulation kits along with thicker drapes, and don’t forget to reverse ceiling fans to push warm air back down.

Control mold when using air conditioning

Mold can grow in any dark and damp spot, which makes air conditioning units prime locations for mold proliferation. Mold spores can be circulated through a home via a central air conditioning system or window air conditioning unit. Mold spores in the air are very easy to inhale, especially for young children and elderly people.

Air conditioners also are susceptible to mold growth. Preventing mold from becoming a problem means being in tune to indicators that mold may be present, and then taking the necessary actions to eradicate that mold and preventing future growth.

Visible mold or a musty smell when operating the air conditioner are prime indicators of a problem.

should not need to worry. They have reserves of food to help them through stressful times. If we go back to very dry conditions, which we most likely will over the next couple of months, you may want to supplement watering plants with higher water needs, such as hydrangeas. With newly planted material, of course, you will want to be sure to add water as needed. We like to see the plants get about an inch of water per week – a small investment in a rain gauge is money well spent to help you know how much water your plants have gotten. And remember, when we do get a gully-washer, most of that rain runs off before it can percolate into the soil. Sometimes the best measure of moisture is to stick your finger in the soil and judge by feel.

-Andrea Lista, CCE Monroe County