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The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide

You can't see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels it can kill a person in minutes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. Hundreds of people die accidentally every year from CO poisoning caused by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliances. Estimates are that only 35% of homeowners have a carbon monoxide detector in their home - leaving more than half of all families exposed to this silent killer. For simple steps to avoid CO dangers, see the US Environmental Protection Agency's article. The Home Safety Council  recommends at least one smoke alarm and CO alarm on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. For some reviews of carbon monoxide detectors see this site.

February Lawn and Garden Tasks

Lawn and garden care in February? Yes. In colder areas, keep off the frozen grass and tune/repair equipment. In warmer zones, it's a good time to use pre-emergents. Gardening activities in February will be limited by the climate where you live, but February is the right time to begin to plan for your lawn and garden and get a head start on the upcoming growing season. If you live in a mild climate zone, then it can very well be the start of your lawn and gardening season. Pruning is a good February task for fruit trees such as pears, apples and cherries. Prune peaches or nectarines just before they bloom. Also prune vine fruits such as grapes, raspberries and blackberries. Later in the month, fertilize trees, shrubs and evergreens. Good reference sites include:

Lawn Care How To         Garden Helper

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Some February Home Maintenance Suggestions

If you live in a cold climate, you have had some unusually cold weather lately, and snow and ice may have caused some damage. Check for ice dams (ice on your roof, often in the area over the soffits under the roof shingles). They can damage the shingles/underlayment and cause internal water damage. If you have ice dams, check insulation and ventilation of your attic spaces, which should be about the same temperature as the outside air. Check the snow load on your roof. Too much could cause the roof to leak or collapse. If you think it is excessive, call a roofing contractor to remove the snow. Replace brittle or worn power/extension cords and check light fixtures, wiring and bulb wattages. Clean/replace showerheads and faucet aerators. Check filters in fans/heater units and dryer/kitchen exhaust vents and replace or clean as needed.

Washer/Dryer Maintenance

Household washers and dryers are often taken for granted. A little maintenance goes a long way. Check washer water fill hoses for cracks or blisters, which can signal a coming failure or cause corroded fittings or leaks. Generally, you should replace washer fill hoses about every four years. You might wish to try stainless steel fill hoses which are more durable and reliable and, ultimately, can pay for themselves as well as provide more peace of mind. A leading cause of dryer failures is lint buildup. It can cause significantly increased drying times (and costs). Lint buildup is also responsible for thousands of house fires each year. Use a dryer vent brush (available online or at most hardware stores) to remove lint build up in the vent that leads outside.

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Repairing a Leaky or Noisy Faucet

You don't have to be a professional plumber to fix most annoying noisy or leaky faucets. They more often happen to the hot water faucet or side. They cost unnecessary money for water and heating. Like most things, it is usually easier and cheaper to fix the problem when it first appears. This project is usually very easy to do yourself. It should take about a half hour and parts are usually available in hardware stores or online. Here is a simple, detailed, illustrated article, including a tools and materials check list for almost any type of faucet from doityourself.com.

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NEWS 

In a January 29, 2009 article CNNMoney.com's Les Christie says "If you're thinking of buying a home, there could be a big bonus for you in the economic stimulus bill that's now before Congress. Among its many provisions is a $7,500 tax credit for first time home buyers. The House passed the $819 billion stimulus plan, including this tax credit." At press time the Senate had not yet considered the Bill, but will soon.

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Fast Facts

• February is the second month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. 

• It is the shortest month and the only month with fewer than 30 days.

• February was named after the Latin term februum, (purification), via the purification ritual Februa held on February 15 in the old Roman calendar.

• Those stars and colors you see when you rub your eyes are called phosphenes.

• Months that begin on a Sunday will always have a "Friday the 13th."

• The average wooden lead pencil will draw a line 35 miles long or write approximately 50,000 English words.

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