Maintaining your thermostat is important for energy efficiency.

One of the most important things you can do to keep your heating and cooling systems working efficiently is to make sure they are regularly maintained. Some maintenance practices are basic and can be performed by the average do-it-yourselfer.

Among the top heating supplies you can use to maintain your heating equipment are fresh furnace filters. Furnace filters are easy to replace, and a clean filter ensures proper air flow through the furnace or air conditioner.

Filters are readily available at various HVAC parts supply stores and heating supply stores. They can even be found at department stores. A low-end, average furnace filter can cost as little as $1.00, while better filters, such as HEPA filters, can cost $10.00 or more. A HEPA filter removes more particles, cigarette smoke, and pet dander from the air than a regular filter.

Another piece of HVAC equipment that is helpful in maintaining your heating system can be found in most homes and businesses: a shop vac. A regular vacuum will work just as well, provided it has a hose that can be used to vacuum debris from the blower wheel, the flue, and the motor. All of the air in the house flows through the blower, and if too much debris builds up in the blower, the motor may seize up and burn out. Regular vacuuming will help the blower to continue to work smoothly.

While the above maintenance practices are easy and essential to the life and efficiency of your heating equipment, there are maintenance tasks that should not be attempted by the average do-it-yourselfer.

In order to tune up a furnace properly, the furnace must be shut off so that there is no electric current running through it, and gas burners must be removed and cleaned. Only a certified HVAC technician should perform this task, and it should be done annually.

Additional annual service tasks that a tech performs are checks of the many HVAC controls (safety controls) that are present in heating equipment. These controls must be working properly to prevent fires, gas leaks, and other potential hazards.

HVAC technicians also test for carbon monoxide emissions. Average store-bought carbon monoxide detectors do not read low levels of carbon monoxide. Many of these detectors will not go off until emissions of carbon monoxide are at dangerous levels. One of the HVAC supplies a professional technician uses is a carbon monoxide sniffer that detects low levels of emissions.

Maintenance and service on any kind of radiant heat system should never be attempted by the average do-it-yourselfer. Radiant system maintenance involves many specific components and should always be performed by a certified HVAC technician who has been properly trained in radiant system service and in the use of radiant heating supplies.

When it comes to maintaining air conditioning equipment, the average do-it-yourselfer is limited in what he can do. A broom may be used to remove grass clippings, cobwebs, and other debris from the back of the air conditioner. All other cooling equipment maintenance and cleaning should be performed annually by a certified professional.

Air conditioning supplies consist of different kinds of acid cleaning solutions and hydrochloric and sulfuric acids that are only available to legally certified technicians or professionals licensed to use them.

Another HVAC supply a technician uses is a certain guage that he plugs into the cooling system to check refrigerant levels. You must be EPA certified to plug gauges into the cooling system.

R22 refrigerant is made of a chemical which is detrimental to the ozone layer. It is illegal to open the air conditioner and attempt cleaning or maintenance unless you are legally certified.

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, you can perform basic tasks to help keep your furnace and air conditioner working properly: replace your furnace filter once a month, vacuum your furnace flue, blower wheel, and motor, and sweep debris from the back of your air conditioner. But for your safety and the safety of your home and family, and to get the highest efficiency from your heating and cooling systems, you should keep an annual appointment with your professional HVAC service tech to have your heating and cooling systems cleaned and tested.

For more articles by this author, go to Helium.

St. Jude's Recycled Card Program

Over thirty years ago, wishing to show our donors appreciation for making St. Jude’s Ranch for Children possible, the idea was conceived for turning the previous year’s Christmas cards into “new” cards for the coming season. The recipients were so delighted with their unique “thank you,” they requested the children sell them the special cards. And so, the St. Jude’s Ranch Recycled Card Program was born.

Since then, the program expanded to include all occasion greeting cards…just about anything that starts with a used greeting card. People from all over the world have sent us their used cards!

Operated by Kids, Corp., a program for the children at St. Jude’s Ranch to learn entrepreneurship skills, the children participate in making the new cards by removing the front and attaching a new back. The result is a beautiful new card made by the children and volunteers. The benefits are two-fold: customers receive “green” holiday cards for use and the children receive payment for their work and learn the benefits and importance of “going green”.

The ongoing support for the Recycled Card Program has been overwhelming! The Program grew and soon we were receiving over one million cards. We have since redesigned the process to more efficiently manage the increased production from the increased volume and we welcome your submissions!

NOTE: We currently have an increased need for both Birthday and Thank You card submissions.  Cards are now accepted all year round.

To Purchase Cards:

Cards are sold in packets of 10 for $10.00 and are available in the following categories:

• General Christmas Cards
• Religious Christmas Cards
• Easter Cards
• Birthday Cards
• Thank You Cards
• All Occasion General Greeting Cards

Orders may be placed by any of the methods below:

• By Internet:
  www.stjudesranch.org/store
• By Phone:
• 1-877-977-SJRC
• By US Mail:
  Send your request and donation to:
  St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
  ATTN: Donor Office
  P.O. Box 60100
  Boulder City, NV 89006-0100

To Donate Cards:

We welcome your donation and ask that you please review the below tips before sending your donation. Currently, we have found the least expensive way to mail large quantities of card donations is through the USPS in a Flat Rate Box which holds up to 70 pounds (available at the Post Office).

Card Donating Tips:

• All types of greeting cards, including Christmas are used.
• Only the card front can be used (please check to be sure the back side is clear of any writing, etc.)
• We can not accept Hallmark, Disney or American Greeting cards.
• 5″ x 7″ size or smaller is preferred.
• Mail donations to :
  St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
  Recycled Card Program
  100 St. Jude’s Street
  Boulder City, NV 89005
• Thank you!

All information courtesy of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children.

I know we posted this last year, but the program is still up and running, and we thought this is such a great cause and a great way to recycle. If you are interested in sending cards, please read below for more information on how these cards will be used.

“Over thirty years ago, wishing to show our donors appreciation for making St. Jude’s Ranch for Children possible, the idea was conceived for turning the previous year’s Christmas cards into “new” cards for the coming season. The recipients were so delighted with their unique “thank you,” they requested the children sell them the special cards. And so, the St. Jude’s Ranch Recycled Card Program was born. “

St. Jude’s Ranch for Children are now accepting used card fronts from Christmas cards and any other occasion from now until February 28, 2010. In the past, St. Jude’s temporarily suspended the accepting of cards because they were overwhelmed with the response from many caring donors that they needed to take time and reorganize the program. Now, they are accepting cards again. If you happen to read this after February 28th, you can still donate, but you will need to visit the St. Jude’s website first for different instructions at http://www.stjudesranch.org/

St. Jude’s has been collecting old cards and making new ones for over 30 years, which gives the children an opportunity to make “green Christmas” cards, learn about recycling, and raise money for St. Jude’s. Recycling our old cards also gives us a chance to be “green”, offer supplies to a great organization, and be able to support a worthy cause.

If you would like to donate your used card (fronts only), please send to:
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
Recycled Card Program
100 St. Jude’s Street
Boulder City, NV 89005

For more information and to keep updated on this program, please visit St. Jude’s website often. http://www.stjudesranch.org/

You can also purchase these “green cards” by contacting St. Jude’s Ranch:
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
ATTN: Donor Office
P.O. Box 60100
Boulder City, NV 89006-0100
Phone: 1(877) 977-SJRC

There are steps you can take to safeguard your money as well as conserve our water resources. The EPA’s Water Sense program educates consumers about the various conservation fixtures available on the market. All fixtures with the Water Sense label are endorsed by the EPA and are proven to effectively reduce water consumption without compromising performance.

Therefore, the same flush you’ve become accustomed to with a toilet that uses 3.5 to 7.0 gallons of water has the same impact as a Water Sense toilet that uses 1.28 gallons per flush. Other conservation steps include:

Fixing leaky faucet or toilet

Testing your fixtures for leaks (For your toilet – drop a little food coloring into the tank. If the color shows in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak)

Turning off the bathroom faucet while brushing your teeth can save you up to 8 gallons of water a day

To learn more about the EPA’s Water Sense program, visit WaterSense.

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There are certain steps you should take to ensure that the water coming into your home is safe to drink.

Water travels through many miles of pipes and valves before it reaches the end of its journey; your plumbing network. Sometimes, that water may sit stagnant for a while, either before entering your pipes or even after. When the water sits still for long periods of time, there may be a noticeable difference in quality and taste.

The following steps are recommended ensuring the best quality of drinking water:

1. If you have not run your water in over 6 hours (on vacation or away for a few days), you should run the cold water for at least two minutes before consuming for cooking or drinking.

2. You should routinely remove and clean the faucet strainer and aerator removing any debris build up.

3. You should always cook with cold water, since hot water can contain sediments which accumulate in the hot water heater.

4. You should replace your home water filters regularly reducing the bacteria levels and accumulating metal levels.

5. You should annually drain hot water heaters removing the sediment and calcium particles that build up and affect water pressure.

When using a space heater, be very careful with where and how you use them. Space heaters have been a major cause of fires and injuries. Follow these simple precautions below to keep you and your family safe this winter.

When purchasing a space heater, make sure that it is approved by a certified testing organization.

Read the manual that came with your space heater before using it.

Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that might be flammable such as furniture, draperies or curtains, bedding, rugs or clothing.

Keep space heaters away from areas where water may come in contact with the heater.

If you intend to use a space heater in the bathroom, check the manual before purchasing to make sure it is safe to use in areas where there is water.

Keep children away from space heaters and never leave a child unattended in a room where there is a space heater.

Don’t plug a space heater into an extension cord.

Don’t use space heaters in areas where flammable liquids such as gasoline or kerosene are used or stored. Space heaters have hot parts that can cause sparking and start a fire.

Never use a space heater to warm bedding, dry clothes, cook food, or thaw pipes.

When you’re not using a space heater, turn it off and unplug it.

Turn off and unplug all space heaters before going to bed.

Yes, there is a disease called Snow Mold that occurs mostly in Northern regions. It is caused by several different fungi and affects many turfgrasses. The symptoms are irregular to circular patches of water-soaked, yellowed, or bleached turf. They sometimes bear a whitish, gray, or pinkish cast. There are two types of snow molds, gray and pink, that become active under the snow cover.

The web-like mycelium of pink snow mold (Microdochium nivale) may initially look white and mature to a faint pink/salmon color. Gray snow mold (Typhula spp.) is white to gray in color. The mycelium of both types of fungi will disappear quickly as the grass dries. A useful identifying characteristic of gray snow mold is the presence of tiny brown/black mycelial masses (sclerotia) on the blades and in the leaf sheaths of infected plants. These survival structures vary in size and color, becoming smaller and darker as they dry. The pink snow mold fungus does not produce sclerotia.

The damage from snow mold fungi usually becomes apparent as the snow melts and exposes the grass in late winter. Snow mold symptoms consist of roughly circular patches (approximately three to 12 inches) of dead and matted grass blades. In severe cases, these patches join together and may not be recognizable as individual circles.

It is useful to determine whether the disease is pink or gray snow mold because gray snow mold rarely damages more than the blades of the grass. Lawns with gray snow mold can be expected to recover fairly quickly even when damage appears extensive. Pink snow mold, in contrast, may invade the crowns and roots causing more serious injury. It is not unusual for both types of snow mold to be found in the same area.

Snow mold fungi are active at temperatures just above freezing in moist conditions. These conditions occur most frequently under snow cover or anything else that covers the grass, such as fallen tree leaves. Gray snow mold usually only occurs after prolonged snow cover. Pink snow mold may be active in cool, wet conditions from late fall through early spring even in the absence of snow or other covers, a factor which greatly enhances its potential as a damaging disease.

Snow mold fungi remain inactive during the warm months when other disease fungi are most active. They survive in thatch and on plants as sclerotia (gray snow mold) or as mycelial threads (pink snow mold). In the fall, Typhula species sometimes produce small, white or pinkish, club-shaped spore-producing structures that may be seen among grass blades in lawns that have not been recently mowed. They grow from sclerotia that were produced in the previous winter for survival over the summer.

As cool, wet weather develops, the fungi begin to grow and infect grass plants. Like all living organisms, these fungi require moisture to survive. The cold, dry air of winter prevents active growth. The shelter of leaves, snow or any other cover on the grass maintains the necessary moisture for growth. Optimal conditions for snow mold activity occur when snow falls suddenly and remains on ground that has not yet frozen. In such cases, grass is often still lush, providing an excellent food base for the fungi.

Snow molds do not occur in the home lawn every year, but are most common during years when an early, deep snow cover prevents the ground from freezing. A cold, open winter will not promote snow mold, but may cause winter injury. The damage caused by snow molds is seldom serious. Generally, infected areas are just a little slower to green up.

If you take the following steps, you may be able to minimize damage in future years:
• Avoid excessive applications of nitrogen fertilizer in the fall.
• Continue to mow lawn at the recommended height until no longer actively growing.
• Rake up leaves in the fall.
• Manage the thatch layer to avoid accumulations of more than ½ inch.
• Spread out large snow piles to encourage rapid melting.

Chemical management is not recommended, especially if you have small children or animals that go outside. But if you must use a chemical, fungicides are most effective if applied just before the first lasting snow fall. Fungicides are not effective in spring after the damage has already occurred unless pink snow mold is involved. Pink snow mold may renew activity if cool, moist weather conditions prevail and may warrant treatment.

Did you make any New Year’s resolutions for 2009? Maybe you want to lose weight, eat healthier, get outside more, and spend more time with the family. Did you make any home improvement resolutions? Clean garage, paint bedroom, remodel kitchen, or install home theater. Did any of those resolutions include reducing your carbon footprint? Your what? Your carbon footprint is how you treat the earth around you.

Below are suggestions on how to care for our Earth.

1. Is your current furnace older than your college aged son? Time for a new one. Replace your inefficient heating system with a more modern energy efficient one. Look for a heater with the Energy Star label.

2. But your furnace is pretty new? Then it may just need some TLC and minor maintenance such as changing or cleaning the filters. You can also save the strain on your budget as well by closing the vents to rooms not in use. Reduce heat loss by 20%.

3. Does your garage feel like you stepped into the North Pole? Why not change out the garage door to a more insulated one since energy efficiency is not in the plans when the house was first built. Look for garage doors filled with polystyrene.

4. Does your skirt ever blow up when standing too close to your window? You can add weather stripping around the windows for one solution. A second easier solution is to hang up “blackout” curtains or if needed, and budget allows, replace windows with a double or triple pane window (depending on age of current windows). Curtains can reduce heat loss by 25%.

5. Do you have bats in attic? What about insulation? It may be time to add more insulation or check to see if any is there at all. You can insulate with spray foam or cellulose insulation. Check with the local expert for the best insulation that is needed in your area/home. This will save from undergoing a major renovation.

6. Do you have calluses on your fingers from constant button pushing on your thermostat? Why not get a programmable thermostat that you can pre-set for when you are home or away. You can set to your needs from morning wake up to bedtime tuck in. Save 15% on the heating bill.

7. Got Sun? You can if you convert your power source to solar. This conversion can be expensive, but if done one panel at a time, can be budgeted for and save money in the long run. Get Sun!

8. Cold water is great on a hot summer’s day, but not in the dead of winter when taking a shower. If your water heater is over 15 years old and your water does not seem to stay heated or runs out quick, it time to replace. Once the water heater is installed, wrap it with an insulated jacket to prevent heat loss. Look for an Energy Star model.