Every essay, January to December

Eighteen short photo essays in calendar order. Start at the month you are in, or the problem in front of you.

January · WinterSnow on the furnace ventsA normal January brings 10.8 inches of snow. Two plastic pipes must stay clear.
January · WinterWhen the furnace quitsFive checks a homeowner can safely make at 18°F, and where to stop.
February · WinterFrozen pipes in a cold snapWarm air has to reach the plumbing. Keep heat at 55°F or above when away.
February · WinterSpace heaters in a cold houseThree feet clear, straight into the wall, and off before you go to bed.
March · SpringThe winter gas billNIPSCO projected $171 for January. March was still expected to top December.
April · SpringWhat a furnace replacement really involvesA new furnace starts with a Manual J calculation and ends with a startup check.
April · SpringFurnace or heat pump in a Fort Wayne winterFort Wayne's normal year: 5,967.7 heating degree days against 849.1 cooling degree days.
May · SpringGetting central air ready in MayFort Wayne's normal high jumps from 72.2°F in May to 81.0°F in June.
June · SummerDamp basements and sticky rooms in JuneEPA's line for indoor humidity is below 60 percent; a $10 to $50 meter checks it.
July · SummerWhen the AC cannot keep up in JulyJuly's normal high is 84.1°F, yet the record here is 106°F, from June 2012.
August · SummerDucts in basements and attics in AugustENERGY STAR: about 20 to 30 percent of duct air is lost to leaks.
August · SummerRanch houses and new builds around Fort WayneFort Wayne's median home dates from 1972. New or old, look in the attic first.
September · FallRebates and tax credits for a Fort Wayne houseThe federal credit ended with 2025. Indiana Energy Saver rebates reach $18,000, by income and savings.
September · FallHVAC permits and licenses in Allen CountyBefore any furnace work, one call: ask the county about the permit and the contractor.
October · FallA furnace check before the first frostFort Wayne's first 32°F night comes around October 21. Filter and CO alarms come first.
October · FallOld boilers and radiators in older Fort Wayne housesWest Central dates to the 1830s. Bleed hot-water radiators, never steam, and leave the wrap alone.
November · FallDry air and humidifiers in a Fort Wayne winterJanuary's dew point averages 20.3°F here. A $10 to $50 meter beats guessing.
December · WinterDrafts and cold floorsHalf of Fort Wayne's homes predate 1972. Look for cold-floor leaks in the basement first.