Labor Day is here, and with it cooler temperatures. Here are a few things you’ll want to do to prepare:
- Test your CO detectors and replace batteries before you fire up the furnace for the first time.
- Have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned — a dirty system can circulate dust, allergens, and off-gas odors when it kicks back on.
- Change or upgrade your furnace filter — consider a MERV 13 filter if your system can handle it, for better particulate filtration.
- Check your HRV/ERV or bathroom/kitchen exhaust fans — as windows close, mechanical ventilation becomes your main source of fresh air.
- Inspect for moisture and condensation around windows, basements, and crawlspaces before winter humidity swings set in.
- Seal drafts thoughtfully — weatherstrip and caulk gaps, but don’t over-seal a home that lacks adequate mechanical ventilation.
- Do an EMF walkthrough of your bedroom — move Wi-Fi routers, smart speakers, and chargers away from where you sleep now that you’ll be spending more time indoors.
- Add full-spectrum or warm lighting to living spaces as daylight hours shrink, especially in rooms you use in the evening.
- Clean or vacuum dust from vents, baseboard heaters, and radiators before their first seasonal use.
- Do a fragrance and VOC audit — swap scented candles, plug-ins, and cleaning products for fragrance-free options now that windows stay shut longer.
Small changes can lead to big improvements in the indoor environment!
Wishing you all a good September!
Erik Rosen
Executive Director
Building Biology Institute