Changing furnace filter fights indoor pollution

Dear Heloise: I just wanted to say thanks for the article on changing furnace filters. Coincidentally, several of my friends have brought up things like fuel bills or sneezing or whatever in our recent conversations. I asked them if they change their furnace filters regularly, and they just gave me this look like “What?” So I proceeded to tell them exactly what you said in your column.

I have seasonal allergies, asthma and three house cats. I also change my furnace filters monthly. I write “FF” on the first Saturday of each month to remind me, and it’s embarrassing how dirty the filters get! When they go on sale, I buy 12 at a time to last me all year. And yes, the furnace runs much more efficiently that way. I also cough and sneeze much less!

I tell my friends that if they can’t remember when they last changed the filter, then it’s time to do so. One can also write the date on the side of the filter — that way, you can keep track better.

Those furnace filters are like the carpet. Besides vacuuming regularly, I clean the carpets every three to four months. I don’t always use carpet cleaner — just hot water sometimes — and the carpets smell so much fresher and soften up nicely. I’ve found it to be just as important as the filter when it comes to my allergies and asthma. Joan Hoppe, Bloomfield, Neb.

How right you are! Indoor pollution from dirty filters and all of the “stuff” we bring in on shoes can cause a lot of health problems. Walk-off mats by each door will cut down on dirt being tracked in. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I never could find a luggage tag that I liked, so I made my own and saved some money in the process. I bought a package of laminating pouches, printed my important information from the computer on brightly colored paper, then used an iron to seal the pouch. I now have a one-of-a-kind luggage tag that makes it easier to identify in a sea of black luggage. T.C., Pearland, Texas

Dear Heloise: This has helped me to get more organized with small stuff. I purchased a few silverware trays and fill them with earrings, bracelets and necklaces, and they are neatly organized!

I even have one for my hammer, nails, tape, etc. I place the trays in a couple of drawers and now know where items are. Marjorie Hill, Portsmouth, N.H.

Dear Heloise: Just a quick hint on cleaning the inside of stained coffee mugs: Put a little bleach in the mug and fill it with water. Let it soak several hours, and presto — all the stains disappear. Wash as usual, and you’re ready for the next morning’s cup o’joe. Revonda Stroud, Colorado Springs, Colo.

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate