November - Tips to know for a Healthy Home
Tips to know for a Healthy Home
Many things come into play to have a healthy home, and we aren't speaking about personalities getting along or Momma cooking the right meal with correct calorie counts. We are talking about the physical things that can affect your quality of life living in the home.
- Unhealthy air can come from materials used to build your home or in a remodeling project. Fiberboard cabinetry, plywood sub-flooring, even wooden furniture frames contain urea formaldehyde (UF). Urea formaldehyde releases volatile organic compounds (VOC). When shopping for materials, look for solid-wood or UF-free. Release of VOC's decreases over time, but with new products you should have plenty of ventilation.
- When installing new carpet, make sure that you allow the area to air out for at least 48 to 72 hours. This to is to allow the VOC emissions to dissipate.
- Combat dry air with a whole house humidifier (about $400). Attached to your heating and cooling system, it will reduce light-switch induced shocks, dry coughs, sinus problems, and dry skin (which flakes off and provides food for dust mites).
- With painting and sealing materials, use products that have limited VOCs or none at all. Low toxic, water-base adhesives, and caulks are the best choices because they emit fewer fumes and quickly stop releasing chemicals. Check labels for low-toxic or low-odor contents.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors, which notify you of the deadly, odorless gas. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends installing detectors in all sleeping areas.
- Install a dehumidifier in your basement to prevent mold growth. Check your gutters and downspouts to make sure that the water is directed away from the house.
- Investigate the water quality in your home. Contact your local water department for a test of water quality. Depending upon the findings on the test, you might want to consider installation of a water filtration system.
- Carpet replacement - Consider replacing carpet with hardwood, ceramic tile, linoleum, or bamboo.
- Window treatment - Consider using flat weave fabrics like linen or cotton, as opposed to heavy textured fabrics that collect more dust and are hard to clean.
- Collectibles - Consider curio cabinets for your valuable collectibles that will be easier to maintain inside a glass cabinet.
- After a home remodeling - If you are doing or have done a remodeling job, large or small, dust has collected. Hire a licensed abatement contractor to come in and clean your vent system. We clean the visible pieces, but we can't see inside the ductwork.
- Dust mites in the bedrooms - This is a pet peeve with my wife. Purchase allergy-control mattress and pillow covers. Replace bed pillows every 3-4 years. I'm sure that this is a “no-brainer” with everyone, but hard washing of bed clothing weekly and drying on high heat will help to combat the mites. My 7-year-old granddaughter wonders why she can't have clean sheets everyday. She says, “They do it in the hotels.”
- Vacuum Cleaner - Buy a high quality vacuum cleaner to help corral allergens and dust mites. The machine should have an agitator, high suction, high flirtation (preferably one with HEPA filters), and the appliances for cleaning furniture, draperies ceilings, and baseboards. When changing bed clothing, vacuuming the mattresses will do a lot for controlling dust mites.
- The experts say that a central vacuuming system can outperform conventional cleaners in removing dust and allergens from your home. The University of California Davis School of Medicine conducted this study for comparisons of conventional machines to central systems. Most existing homes can be retrofitted for the central systems.
- If your floor plan permits it, a mudroom should be added, which will keep the interior much cleaner and neater. The amount of tracked in dirt or dust and moisture will be greatly reduced; this also will reduce the growth of mold and dust mites.
- Exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms help to remove odors and moisture and curbs the growth of mold. A range hood in the kitchen will take out carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide, which are generated by gas ranges.
- Kitchen bacteria - Sanitize your sponges by putting them in the micro for a few seconds. Non-porous countertops and cutting boards will help to reduce the presence of bacteria.
- Natural ventilation - During mild weather, opening windows will allow for fresh air exchanges. Be sure that all your windows are operable and unobstructed with objects.
A SAFE HOME IS A HAPPY HOME!
LUCK RUNS OUT BUT SAFETY IS GOOD FOR LIFE!!