Inside This Newsletter – February Edition
- Important Dates to Remember
- 2018 Food Drive Goal Achieved!
- Q&A: I have an idea for a building initiative. Who should I talk to?
- Maintenance Tip: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
- How To: Improve the Air Quality in Your Home
DATES TO REMEMBER
February 10: Chinese New Year Parade
February 14: Valentine's Day
February 18: President's Day (Hales Office Closed)
February 22 – 24: Chicago Golf Show
2018 Food Drive Goal Achieved!
![](http://hales-property-management-v1725557879.websitepro-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/HPM-6th-food-drive-2018.jpg)
We did it! Congratulations to the Hales Property Management team for reaching our 2018 Food Drive goal. The effort provided over 18,000 meals to those in need and landed us at the top of the Greater Chicago Food Depository virtual food drives.
Thank you to our team and participating clients, vendors, family and friends for donating their time and resources to this wonderful cause.
How To: Improve the Air Quality in Your Home
![](http://hales-property-management-v1725557879.websitepro-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/HPM-air-quality-NL-02-19-600x399.jpg)
We tend to think air pollution is something outside, however, the air inside our homes can be more polluted than outside. So doesn’t it make sense to try to improve the air quality in your home?
Follow these tips to do just that:
- If you have an in-unit HVAC system, don’t forget to change the air filter as needed. This is a quick and easy precautionary step to take, but most people don’t change their filters enough.
- Keep the place clean. Vacuuming carpets, dusting, and doing a general clean once a week can help to keep airborne dust and allergens to a minimum.
- Get an air purifier. If you’re still seeing a lot of dust flying around, consider getting one of the HEPA-rated filters to continually filter out particles from the air. They’ve become a lot more affordable over the years.
- Get some plants. Not only will they make a (nominal) impact on the CO2 levels in your home, but just seeing the plants can increase the perception of fresh air.
- Open a window. Yes, even in the heat of summer or the cold of winter. If you want good air quality, you should open the windows and let your place air out for a few minutes a day. Your building’s fire exits. If you live in a larger building, exit plans should be posted on every floor near the elevators. Make sure that others living with you, especially children and the elderly, also know what to do in case of an emergency.
- Home emergency kit. You’ll need a first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, pen and paper, duct tape, non-perishable snacks and bottles of water.
Q & A
![](http://hales-property-management-v1725557879.websitepro-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Hales-QandA-NL-blog-600x410.jpg)
Q: I have an idea for a building initiative.
Who should I talk to?
A: It depends on the scope of your idea. If it’s something that’s easy to implement, you might be able to talk your neighbors into participating. But if you want to make it official, go to your next HOA meeting and bring the issue to the board. At that point, your neighbors can vote on whether to implement it.
SEE MORE FAQS >
MAINTENANCE TIP: Unclogging a Garbage Disposal
No matter how careful you are not to put anything too big down it, eventually everyone’s garbage disposal starts acting up. Here’s a quick video to help you take care of the problem yourself, instead of having to call someone.