THE IMPORTANCE OF SPRING CLEANING YOUR UTILITY ROOM
DON’T FORGET TO CLEAN THE HEART OF YOUR HOME
HOWOFTEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR AIR FILTER?
• Homes with minimal foot traffic (single or double occupancy) and no pets or allergies: 6 to 12 months.
• Family homes (three or more occupants) with no pets or allergies: 3 to 6 months.
• Family homes with at least one pet or minor allergies: 2 to 3 months.
• Family homes with multiple pets or allergies: 1 to 2 months.
The start of spring brings everyone’s favorite seasonal chore — spring cleaning! As you dust, vacuum, organize, and declutter, don’t forget about the one room that often gets neglected. This year, give special attention to the utility closet. The utility closet houses your furnace, boiler, water heater, A/C junction, and other similar large appliances. Homeowners often forget about these appliances because they are out of sight and out of mind, and this can cost a lot in the long run. Like all the other rooms in your home, this space needs to be kept clean. Dust, for instance, can be hard on HVAC systems. Over time, it accumulates in the HVAC intake and clogs the air filter, reducing its effectiveness and efficiency. This results in a short lifespan for your system, higher power bills, and a poorly heated or cooled home. Chewing on hard foods can be tough on your braces, and your orthodontist will probably tell you to avoid doing so. Don’t eat popcorn, caramel, anything sticky and chewy ... the list goes on. Before you know it, they’ve restricted all your favorite snacks! Jerky is likely on that list of no-nos. Between its tough skin and your delicate wires, typical jerky isn’t exactly braces-friendly, and it can be hard on your teeth. Luckily, Mister B’s Jerky Co. has found a solution with their Easy Chew jerky. Mister B’s has been making jerky for the past 20 years, and they’ve perfected a number of tasty and unique recipes, from Easy Chew and Old Fashioned to seasonal varieties. Located right here in Southington, Mister B’s makes all their jerky from high-quality ingredients. The company states, “Our Easy Chew jerkies are very flavorful and not your typical ‘rip-your-teeth-out’ jerky. They're made freshly by hand, with only the finest cuts of meat.” Because it’s so fresh, Mister B’s jerky is best enjoyed within a few weeks of purchase. It’s not full of preservatives, so it won’t last for months in your pantry, but that’s what makes it so great. The tender, tasty treats make a great snack, even for those who are unsure about dried meat. One customer explains, “I do not eat jerky, but I will eat Mr. B’s!”
In addition to changing the air filter, it’s important to schedule a routine inspection of your home’s HVAC system. This includes an inspection of the appliances themselves and any connecting ducts. Dust, dander, and mold can accumulate in the ducts and spread throughout the home, which can lead to health issues, including respiratory problems. A routine inspection will identify potential problems in your HVAC system. On top of that, you can get these systems professionally cleaned and maintained. These are simple steps that will keep your home’s air systems running smoothly for years to come. Plus, you’ll be ready for the summer months ahead!
JERKY THAT’S BETTER FOR BRACES?
You might just find your new favorite snack when you stop by Mr. B’s shop. Check out their Easy Chew for a tender, tooth-friendly version.
It’s always good to talk with your orthodontist to find out which foods will help maintain your braces, because broken wires and brackets are no fun and can delay your treatment. Remember, your orthodontist is your friend when it comes to keeping that smile strong and gorgeous. If you do feel a wire out of place, contact their office and they’ll help you take care of it.
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