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The third and final in this month's newsletter theme is all about making your abode a better place, whether you rent, own, or are in the process of building. Look for three shorter emails per month in the future, each jam-packed with Energy News you can use.  Last Chance! Drop in to the 4CORE office to pick up a FREE Air Chek radon test kit (valued at $15) this month at 835 East Second Avenue, #440 in Durango. Test your home for radon- the kit is easy to use, includes free shipping to the lab, and a written report explaining next steps. Read on to download our Home Checklist, learn about our new Indoor Air Quality Program, and find food for thought if you are thinking about building.

Heather Erb, Coldwell Banker Realtor Visit website Visit website Southwest Solar Transformation Initiative (SSTI)  Visit web site Sponsor    4CORE News

What are the most important things to look for when you move into a new place? Performing a thorough initial maintenance check can help you become familiar with the home and learn what areas might need future improvement:

• Roof: Check the roof and around vents, skylights, and chimneys for leaks. Repair as necessary.
• Attic: If there is no ridge vent, keep gable vents open year-round to ensure proper ventilation.
• Gutters: Clean the gutters and drain pipes so leaves won't clog them and be sure they drain away from the house. 
• Filters: Remember to clean or replace filters once a month when heating or cooling, or as needed. Check and clean the dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood, and room fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and free from furniture and draperies.
• Safety Equipment: Ensure that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are in good working order and replace batteries in appropriate devices at least twice each year.
• Refrigerator: Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. In addition, remove dust bunnies and vacuum the coils at least twice each year. Stock up! A full refrigerator uses less energy than an empty one. Also, check temperatures- the fridge should be 37° F, and the freezer should be 0° F.
• Faucets: Check for leaky faucets in the kitchen and bathroom(s). Replace washers as necessary. Install low-flow aerators to save water and energy to heat water. Fall: Drain outside faucets.
• Windows and Doors: Seal drafty doors and windows. If you added up all of the small cracks where heating and cooling escapes from a home, it would be the same as having a window open. 
• Siding and Paint: Look for cracks and holes in house siding or paint. Replace caulk if necessary. A carpet knife can work well for cutting away old caulking from house siding. 
• Heating System: Fall: Have the heating system serviced. Change filters.
• Hot Water Heater: Check the temperature at the tap- it should be 125° F. Fall: Drain the hot water heater. Remove sediment from the bottom of the tank.

Download this checklist

 

Find more home checklists                            List modified from Bob Vila

Indoor air quality is not something we think about, though what we breath in unconsciously can cause asthma and cancer. Your indoor air pollution may be two and one hundred times higher than outdoor levels, but this can easily be tested and usually fixed for little cost. 

4CORE recently received an EPA Environmental Justice grant to educate our community about the risks of poor indoor air quality. We'll be holding 18 educational sessions that provide information to area families on sources of indoor air pollution, its effects on health, identifying hazards, and reducing health risks through low-cost steps.

This month, we're offering a FREE Air Chek radon test kit for you to test your home. Renowned for its ease of use with step-by-step instructions, accurate results and mail away processing, these kits are valued at $15. The kit includes free shipping back to the lab, full analysis, online test results, and the option for a complete written report explaining the results and what you may or may not need to do next.

Pick one up at our office at 835 East Second Avenue, #440 in Durango.

When you think about the home of  your dreams, you may be picturing sun-filled windows, plenty of counter space, or a garage with a work bench. What you might not be thinking about are the features needed to make it healthy for you and your family.

 

Comfort, excellent air quality and higher resale values are just some of the benefits of building a healthy home. Having a conversation with your builder about moisture control, efficient air filtration, sealed combustion appliances and non-toxic interior finishes is the starting point. 

 

The next level is building a certified home. Many green building certifications, such as ENERGY STAR New Homes, LEED for Homes, and Built Green use verification to ensure quality standards for health and efficiency are achieved.   

Other sources of information:

Thank you Local Funding Partners!