Well, it’s here: another year to be thankful for, and another chance at making the most of what we have been given.

What lies at the forefront of making the most of things is taking responsibility and educating oneself in ways to take care of your health, your home and your family.

January brings us a list of things – to name a few: cold temperatures, National Radon Action Month, the peak season for mountain cedar, New Year’s resolutions and National Thank You Month, among other celebrations.

Attack of the winter allergies

While it’s a challenge to beat the mountain cedar outdoors, there are a few simple actions that can help you take care of business and beat your allergies inside the home.

First and foremost, you should change air filters in the winter about every three months (remember, the change is more frequent in the summer). However, if mountain cedar has been a pest for you this season, consider a monthly filter change.

Another helpful tip: Look for a filter with a high MERV rating. In layman’s terms, MERV is the minimum efficiency reporting value. It measures the performance of air purifiers – specifically large purifiers intended to clean an entire house or building.

MERV ratings range from 1 to 16. The higher the ranking, the better the quality. A majority of filters you buy in stores are in the 1-4 MERV range. Make an effort to find a filter with a MERV rating in the 9-12 range. This is typically the highest that’s sold for home use.

Another option for you to consider is adding a Guardian Air UV purification light to your home’s air conditioning system. These lights are a good option for many allergy sufferers.

The mountain cedar season usually lasts through February, but it’s always nice to be optimistic and hope for an early departure.

Winter tips for the home

Besides taking care of allergies during the winter months, it is also important to be cognizant of actions to take to support the efficiency of your home and the wellness of your being throughout the season.

First thing’s first: Be aware of your energy consumption so you’re not wasting away your hard-earned money in places it shouldn’t be wasted.

According to ENERGY STAR, lowering the regular setting on your heating system by one degree saves 3 percent on your monthly heating bill. That means two degrees saves 6 percent. Additionally, you can save 1 percent for every degree your thermostat is lowered per eight-hour period.

CPS Energy, the authority on all things related to energy in San Antonio, recommends setting your thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees when you are at home. Remember to turn down the temperature when you will be out of the house for multiple hours at a time.

Use your shades and curtains for what they were made to do in the winter. Open curtains in the south-facing windows of your house in order to give yourself some extra warmth from the solar effect on sunny days.

Also, consider closing shades in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight in order to keep the cool drafts out and retain warmth from the day’s rays. Using heavier curtains will allow greater protection from the windows that do not receive that direct light from the sun, too.

For individuals who are more easily chilled and have less tolerance for cold temperatures, in order to avoid disagreements on the thermostat’s temperature, there are some other ways to keep warm.

An obvious option is to dress warmly in your home. Include a warm hat to insulate, as well.

Throughout the winter months, you and your family will feel warmer if the air in your house is not all dry air. Another clever tip in keeping the heat in your home is to use a humidifier. The added moisture in the air can increase the noticeable temperature in your home by as much as 15 degrees.

To keep the cold air out and the comfortable air in, seal your doors and windows. Determining if your house needs weatherstripping is a simple process.

Check for gaps around the doors and windows throughout the house. On a windy day, hold your hands by the doors’ sides to check for air sneaking through or light shining through the sides or bottom of the door. If light or air is making its way through, weatherstripping should be on your list of to-dos.

Most importantly, be comfortable in your own home. There are so many ways to stay warm. If you have the luxury of having a heating system in your home and a few extra dollars to spare, consider purchasing some blankets and donating them to a local San Antonio homeless shelter or nonprofit organization.

In Texas, it’s always a little hard to know what temperatures to expect on a day-to-day basis in the winter. While Mother Nature throws her curve balls, it is important to be prepared so you can properly take care of your health and your home. Bundle up, San Antonio!

Ben Hubbert is the president and co-owner of Champion AC, an air conditioning and heating company in San Antonio. Champion AC is a leader in the green movement that focuses on controlling the weather in your home. Find out more by phone at 210-372-1234 or on the Web at www.championac.com.