Volume II, Number 7

 November 2006

eMDE is a monthly publication of the Maryland Department of the Environment. It covers articles on current environmental issues and events in the state. 

Cold Weather Checklist for the Home

By Robert Maddox, Air and Radiation Management Administration

Now that we have turned the calendar page to November, the peak fall colors have already faded and most leaves have fallen. It gets dark earlier and the chill in the air reminds us that winter is just around the corner. To better prepare for winter, stay warm and safe, and keep heating expenses and energy waste down, here is a checklist of things to do:

• Have the furnace inspected by a certified technician. Better to do this rather than have the furnace malfunction when the weather gets really cold.
• Buy furnace filters and change once each month. This will keep the indoor air cleaner and make it easier for the furnace to circulate the air.
• Inspect the fuel tank and fuel line for leaks if you use home heating oil. If there is a leak, have a professional repair the leak.
• Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if needed.
• Consider installing a programmable thermostat to conserve fuel and reduce heating costs. It is a good idea to program your thermostat for lower temperatures during sleep hours and when family members are at work and school. Program for 68 degrees Fahrenheit during waking hours.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector or replace the battery in the one already in the home.
• Change the batteries in smoke detectors – the end of Daylight Savings Time is a good reminder for this.
• In the fireplace or wood stove, burn only seasoned, dried wood to prevent creosote accumulation. Never burn trash in the fireplace or in a wood stove.
• Repair or replace broken glass in windows and doors to prevent cold air from getting indoors.
• Conserve electricity – turn off lights, televisions and computers when not being used.

Conserving energy use at home not only reduces costs, but conserves energy resources and reduces air pollution. Using a fireplace properly also reduces outdoor and indoor air pollution and lowers the risk of starting a chimney fire. Make sure you keep fireplaces and stoves clean during colder months, there can be high levels of particle pollution that make the air unhealthy – indoors and out.

Click here for more information about Maryland’s air quality.

Click here for more energy saving tips.

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