Breathe easier and also save energy and money by understanding your HVAC system

Air filters trap a lot of debris that otherwise would end up back in the house, stuck in ductwork, clogging heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment—or in our lungs. 

For optimum energy efficiency and good indoor air quality, air filters should be changed regularly, which also saves you energy and money.

How often they need changing depends on several factors, including pets that shed, carpeting, wood-burning heat sources and cigarette smoke. During extremely high use, such as winter and summer, consider changing your filters monthly. 

There are two categories of filters: permanent or disposable; and flat or pleated media. Disposable are the most prevalent, but don’t waste your money on the cheap ones with flimsy cardboard frames and thin mesh. Pleated filters perform better using media you cannot see through.

A bit about MERV, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value: It’s a rating system that tells you how effective a filter is at trapping particles. The scale runs from one to 16 (higher is better), but for technical reasons, it’s not as simple as choosing one at the higher end of the rating scale.

So, how do you decide which level of filter to use? If you have your system’s operating manual or can find it online, check for recommendations. Otherwise, go with a decent pleated filter with a MERV of three to five and check it once a month to see how it is performing. Also check to see if the dust inside abates.

—NRECA

Energy-efficiency tips for homeowners are great, but how can renters like me reduce their energy bills?—Chelsea

Whether you’re renting or your budget for improvements is tight, take a look at these low-cost efficiency tips that can help you reduce your energy bills.

Mind the thermostat Carefully manage the temperature in your home. The federal Department of Energy suggests setting the thermostat to 68 degrees on winter days—even lower at night or when no one is home—and you can wear an extra sweater. The same principle works in reverse during summer months.

Go programmable If you don’t always remember to adjust your thermostat manually, you could benefit from a programmable model. In the right situation, set correctly, programmable thermostats can save $150 a year. Before you purchase one, make sure your landlord approves.

Try zone heating If you don’t mind less-used rooms being colder, you might be able to save energy by zone heating. Electric baseboards typically have thermostat settings on the units or in each room. Portable electric space heaters can also be a good tool for zone heating, as long as you reduce the heat to the rest of the home.

Stop air leaks Use weather stripping and caulk to plug small gaps around windows, doors, wiring and plumbing. Again, check with the landlord first, but better yet, convince him or her to do the work. You can also use draft stoppers under exterior doors.

Manage your windows and coverings Medium- or heavy-weight curtains and thermal blinds can help keep warmth inside. Open them up in direct sunlight conditions as a “passive solar” technique—do the opposite in the summer. You can also cover windows with clear plastic to reduce heat loss and air leaks.

Look for energy wasters There are also small steps you can take every day to reduce your energy use. Water heaters should be kept at the warm setting (120 degrees). Wash dishes and clothes on the most economical settings that will do the job and always wash full loads. Use the microwave instead of the oven when possible.

Kentucky weather can be unpredictable, especially during the winter months. That’s why you should prepare for dangerous situations before a storm hits. 

 It is especially important to develop a plan for prolonged power outages during these harsh months. Heavy snows, freezing rain and ice storms can all create electrical hazards.  

 Due to these dangerous conditions, many residents may be confined to their homes for days at a time. That’s why it is important to have a plan in place, especially during these prolonged outages. To better prepare you and your family for a power outage, your electric co-op recommends members keep a storm preparedness kit fully stocked. The basic supplies in this kit should include:  

• Bottled water 
• Non-perishable food  
• Emergency blankets 
• First aid kit/medicine 

• Flashlight 
• Battery operated or hand-crank radio 
• Extra batteries 
• Toiletries 

Now that your family is prepared for a prolonged outage, what should you do if the lights do go out?   

While indoors, many will turn their focus to staying warm. 

If homes are not using a generator, keep warm air in and cool air out by not opening doors to unused rooms. Do not open doors to the outdoors unless necessary.  

Food safety is also important when there is a prolonged outage. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible, and eat perishable food first. If you know a winter storm is coming, stock up on ice so that you can keep things in coolers to keep them from going bad if an outage lasts longer than a day. Once the refrigerator reaches temperatures higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, foods can become unsafe to eat.  

To protect homes’ electrical equipment during an outage, turn off and unplug all unnecessary electronics or appliances. This will keep equipment from being damaged by surges or spikes when the power returns. 

Once an outage is over, there are still safety precautions to take. Electrical power lines could still be down. If you see downed power lines, do not touch them. Call your local co-op or 911. 

Make sure your homes and families are prepared for winter storms this season, and avoid electrical hazards that may be common this time of year. 

Sources: Electrical Safety Authority, Popular Mechanics 

When in doubt, throw it out: food safety reminders during an outage

 During an outage:  

• First, use perishable food from the refrigerator. Perishables should have a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) or below to be safe to eat. Use food from the freezer after consuming refrigerated food. 
• An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. 
• A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half-full) if the door remains closed. 
• If it looks like the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your freezer items. 
• Keep food in a dry, cool spot and cover it at all times. 

After an outage: 

• Throw away any food (particularly meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that has been exposed to temperatures higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color or texture. 
• Never taste food or rely on appearance or odor to determine its safety. If it has been at room temperature too long, bacteria causing food-borne illnesses can quickly grow. 
• If you are not sure food is cold enough, take its temperature with a food thermometer. If it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, you can refreeze it. 

Sources: American Red Cross 

 Generator safety: Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. 
• Keep these devices outdoors, away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. 
• Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO buildup in the home. Although CO can’t be seen or smelled, it can rapidly lead to full incapacitation and death. 
• Install CO alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide. 

Sources: American Red Cross