When it comes to health, we often focus our attention on working out and eating better. However, it’s also important to make our home healthy and safe. The environment that we live in on a daily basis has a big impact on our well-being. There are simple things we can do to make our homes healthier. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
1. Change Air Filters to Keep Your Home Healthy and Safe
Air needs to be circulating through clean filters to reduce dust and toxins. If there are fine particles or toxins in the air, they can cause respiratory complications and heart disease. This is why it’s important to change your HVAC filter regularly and have an air purifier in the main area of your home and in the bedrooms.
2. Remove Dust
Homes tend to accumulate dust in all the nooks and crannies. Be sure to wash your curtains and pillowcases often to avoid exposure to dust that can aggravate allergies and asthma, according to the American Lung Association. Vacuum often and declutter your home so that there are less hard to reach places where dust can get trapped.
3. Avoid Paraffin Candles
Candles lend a warm glow to your home. However, most candles are made from paraffin wax. When the wax melts, it releases toxins in the air, which can lead to allergies, asthma, and even cancer, according to a South Carolina State University study. If you love candles, spend the extra money on all natural candles made from soy or beeswax.
4. Use Natural Cleaners
A number of the kitchen, bathroom, and floor cleaners that you’ll find at your local store contain chemicals that can cause sickness and breathing difficulties. Common cleaning products like tub and tile cleaners, floor cleaners, and even some dishwashing and laundry detergents have harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Opt for all-natural cleaners at the supermarket or make your own cleaning solution of water, baking soda, and lemon juice.
5. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
You probably have at least one smoke detector in your home, but that is not enough to keep your home healthy and safe. There should be multiple smoke detectors in your home: on every floor, on either side of each bedroom door, and near the kitchen. There should also be just as many carbon monoxide detectors. Test these devices regularly to make sure they are functioning properly.
6. Filter Your Water
If you drink tap water, it’s best to get a water filter. There are many different water filters to choose from and some filter more contaminants than others. Research your area’s water quality to determine which water filter your need. The best way to determine how to handle your tap water is to have it professionally tested.
7. Radon Testing
If you have not had your home tested for radon, or if it has been a while, now is the time. The risk of radon in the home is often ignored because it is invisible and has no smell, but exposure to high levels of radon over time can be deadly. You cannot truly know if your home is healthy if you don’t have it tested for radon.
Buyer’s Edge provides radon testing, water testing, and other home inspection services to Western North Carolina. Contact us to request our services.