By Michelle Metcalf

Community Information Librarian

Now that fall is here, many of us are spending more time at home. Temperatures have fallen, the furnace has kicked on and windows have been shut. But does it seem stuffy in your home? Or have you noticed a draft? Is your home as comfortable as it should be?

The Northern Onondaga Public Library (NOPL) has some helpful devices that can be checked out and used to identify heat loss, air quality issues, sound pollution, and energy costs so that your home can be the warm, comfortable haven it should be:

• Thermal leak detector: uses infrared sensors to detect surface temperatures and help you identify drafts in your home. Fix those drafts and save money on your energy bill.
• Air quality monitor: can detect fine particulates from burning kerosene, wood or oil, smoking tobacco products, aerosols from household cleaners, pesticides, building materials, and more.
• Kilowatt meter: measures electricity usage so you can calculate the cost of powering different household devices – or the cost of just leaving them plugged in! Once you know what is using energy, you can make decisions that will reduce energy usage and save money.
• Sound level meter: sound-proof a room to practice music or vocals, document regular loud noise from barking dogs, nearby traffic and passing trains, or determine if noise levels listed by appliance manufacturers are correct.

Make sure the time you spend indoors this fall and winter is enjoyable and comfortable. Stop into your nearest NOPL location and request to borrow one of these devices today!