Though most people set personal goals for New Year’s, it’s also the perfect time to set goals for your home. Read on for our best tips to keep your home healthy and safe for your family throughout the year.
Test for Radon to Keep Your Home Healthy and Safe
Radon is a naturally occurring invisible and odorless gas that is a leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, second only to cigarette smoking. Radon can be present in any home, new or old, and the only way to know if it’s a problem in your home is to test for it. Hire a professional to test your home for radon so you can take action if you have high levels of the gas in your home.
Prevent and Eliminate Mold
Mold can damage your home’s structure and cause respiratory issues for your family members, especially those who already have asthma or allergies. Keep your humidity levels between 30-50% and use dehumidifiers as needed in areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms and basements.
Take care of any leaks as soon as you notice them and promptly clean up any spills to keep your home healthy and safe. Excess moisture leads to mold growth, so it’s better to be proactive with these issues than to deal with a mold infestation.
Install Smoke and CO Detectors
Smoke detectors sound an early warning in case of a house fire. Make sure you have a smoke detector inside and outside of each bedroom, and in the kitchen, laundry room, garage, and attic to alert your family to danger.
Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless and can cause illness and even death. Keep your home healthy and safe by placing carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, and near sleeping areas and attached garages. The best placement for accurate detection of CO is on the wall, about 5 feet above the floor.
Eliminate VOCs from Your Household
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are toxic chemicals that are found in common household products and textiles. Check the ingredients in your cleaners and beauty products, and choose natural alternatives without VOCs. If you’re remodeling your home, look for low or VOC-free paint and building materials to complete your project. Eliminating these chemicals will help keep your home healthy and safe
Filter Drinking Water
Most tap water has some type of contaminants, whether environmental or from old water pipes. Ask your municipality for a water quality report or hire someone to test your water for you. Once you know the specific pollutants in your tap water, purchase the best filter for eliminating them from your household.
Clean Your Home Often
The easiest way to keep your home healthy and safe is by simply cleaning it more often. Dust and airborne pollutants build up over time, so it’s best to clean surfaces and vacuum at least 2-3 times per week. Be sure to also change your HVAC filter regularly so it continues to trap contaminants.
Open Your Windows to Keep Your Home Healthy and Safe
Did you know that indoor air is often more polluted than the air outside? Things like dust, pet dander, chemicals, and other pollutants become trapped inside a well-sealed home and recirculate indoors. Open your windows for 10-15 minutes each day to allow fresh air inside and cycle stale air out of your home.
Outlook Home Inspections provides home inspections for Charlotte and the surrounding area. Contact us to schedule our services.