SPRING CLEANING THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUR UTILITY ROOM
The start of spring brings everyone’s favorite seasonal chore: spring cleaning!
• Family homes — three or more occupants — with no pets or allergies: every 3–6 months. • Family homes with at least one pet or minor allergies: every 2–3 months. • Family homes with multiple pets or allergies: every 1–2 months. 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!
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. How Often Should You Replace Your Air Filter? • Homes with minimal foot traffic — single or double occupancy — and no pets or allergies: every 6–12 months. 3 FOODS TO TRY THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY In America, Saint Patrick’s Day is usually associated with beer dyed green, subpar corned beef and cabbage, and overcooked fish and chips. But the holiday doesn’t have to just revolve around booze and bad food. Here are a few authentic Irish staples to sample during the Feast of Saint Patrick. Shepherd’s Pie This classic comfort food emerged in Ireland in 1791 when the potato became ubiquitous among humble farmers throughout the country. The key to an authentic shepherd’s pie — not just a cottage pie — is to use ground lamb as the meat base, cooked in gravy with onions and veggies. Top it with mashed potatoes, and you’ve got yourself an unassuming, delicious, and hearty meal for the holiday. Colcannon Traditionally made from mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage, colcannon is one food that will make any Irishman pine for his
homeland. In fact, there’s a traditional Irish song about the dish. Certainly, if you ever have colcannon, with the greens and scallions mingled like a picture in a dream and a melting flake of creamy, flavored butter, you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite associated with the hills of Ireland. Irish Stew Another folk staple of days gone by, Irish stew is usually made with lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, and parsley. It may seem like a humble dish, but it’s the very definition of comfort food. If you simmer the meat and root
vegetables just right, you’ll learn how the Irish used the simplest ingredients during difficult times to create some incredible dishes.
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