Picture, for a moment, the neighbourhood surrounding your beautiful family home. Can you see the quality of the windows, the state of the roof, and the look of the landscaping for each home? These are easy, tangible indicators of good home care.
What do you know about the less tangible air quality of your home, and how it compares to others in your neighbourhood?
Your responses to the air in your home may be subtle, or quite pronounced. You might want to examine the air quality of your home if you have experienced: irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; regular headaches; or, feelings of mental fatigue and lethargy.
Let’s review three of the most common situations affecting air quality and some solutions to freshen up your home this spring.
1. Dust
Dust collecting in corners and on counter tops is a sign of a dirty home.
Do not wipe the dust away with a feather duster or your hand! This can kick the dust up into the air and trigger asthma, sneezing, or coughing.
Instead, use a non-toxic, spray-on cleaner or vacuum cleaner with detail attachments. Ensure that you also change the filters on your HVAC system often. The best kind of air filters attach to the cold air return and use a fan to draw in dirt and particles. Other types of air filters may rely upon a static charge to attract particles.
A quality contractor can recommend the best accessories for the home and climate you live in.
2. Allergens & Contaminants
Modern homes are quite well-insulated and will keep allergens and particulate matter trapped indoors. This can include dust mites, pollen, pet dander, or mold. Without proper ventilation, these contaminants can linger in the air.
You may find that you have allergic reactions more often in a home without proper ventilation. Investing in home ventilation will protect your health and home for years to come.
A whole home ventilation system might be the answer for you. This is a mechanical system that moves the air throughout the house with a system of fans and ducts. You can also support your ventilation with spot ventilation, including air cleaners, purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers.
Our Applewood advisors are happy to help you decide which system is right for your air quality needs.
3. Cleaning products
Happy housekeepers know – cleaning products, while widely used, contain chemicals that are harmful to you, your family, and your pets.
You can visit the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Guide to Healthy Cleaning to help decode the ingredients in your common cleaning products. The EWG found that 53 percent of cleaning products reviewed have lung-harming ingredients, and several included carcinogens like formaldehyde and chloroform.
You can mitigate your exposure to problematic cleaning chemicals. Avoid using aerosols and sprays. If you do, dilute them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Clean only in well-ventilated areas and do not overuse the product.
You will not need home air fresheners if you vacuum often, keep pets groomed, and follow the other best practices outlined in this article.
For all your indoor air quality needs, Applewood advisors are happy to provide you with relevant, timely insights.
Give us a call to set up a free, no-obligation home consultation. Soon, you will be able to call your home the freshest in the neighbourhood!
