It’s a mad thought isn’t it? That the one place where you live, love, and are most authentically yourself may actually be affecting your health. And if you have kids, one of the last things you want to be concerned with is whether or not your house may be contributing to their health problems. With that in mind, we've come up with a short list of home improvements that will help enhance your overall health--and the health of your home.
Home Improvements That Will Enhance Your Health
Maintain Your HVAC
Maintaining your air conditioning system is important for many reasons, like keeping it in good working order and avoiding pricey repairs. But it's also important to keep your hvac unit clean of dust and debris in order to avoid health problems. For example, you'll want your hvac system to adequately control your home's humidity, since high humidity can increase the spread of bacteria. On the flip side, low humidity can promote the COVID virus since COVID thrives under low humidity conditions. Additionally, make sure that you are using HEPA filters with your system. While they are more costly, HEPA filters help to trap harmful particles like dust, pet dander and dust mites, which can contribute to allergies and other sensitivities. The instruction manual that came with your hvac unit should include instructions on how to change out your filters, as well as information on where you can purchase replacements.
Consider A Whole Home Water Filtration System
No matter what kind of water you use, whether it's municipally provided or private well water, it may contain contaminants that could be harmful to your health. Even if your water has been treated, it may still contain lead, or chemicals like fluoride and chlorine. This is why you may want to consider a whole home filtration system. Not only will your water be safer to drink, but a home filtration system can help your plumbing system last longer, reducing the costs of plumbing and appliance repairs. If a whole home filtration system is not in your budget at the moment, then at least consider a water filtration system for your tap.
Maintaining your air conditioning system is important for many reasons, like keeping it in good working order and avoiding pricey repairs. But it's also important to keep your hvac unit clean of dust and debris in order to avoid health problems. For example, you'll want your hvac system to adequately control your home's humidity, since high humidity can increase the spread of bacteria. On the flip side, low humidity can promote the COVID virus since COVID thrives under low humidity conditions. Additionally, make sure that you are using HEPA filters with your system. While they are more costly, HEPA filters help to trap harmful particles like dust, pet dander and dust mites, which can contribute to allergies and other sensitivities. The instruction manual that came with your hvac unit should include instructions on how to change out your filters, as well as information on where you can purchase replacements.
Consider A Whole Home Water Filtration System
No matter what kind of water you use, whether it's municipally provided or private well water, it may contain contaminants that could be harmful to your health. Even if your water has been treated, it may still contain lead, or chemicals like fluoride and chlorine. This is why you may want to consider a whole home filtration system. Not only will your water be safer to drink, but a home filtration system can help your plumbing system last longer, reducing the costs of plumbing and appliance repairs. If a whole home filtration system is not in your budget at the moment, then at least consider a water filtration system for your tap.
  Aquasana 2-Stage Under Sink Water Filter System, amazon.com |
  Express 3 Stage Home Water Filtration System, amazon.com |
Ensure Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors Are In Working Order
Carbon monoxide can't be smelled, seen or tasted, and being exposed to it for an extended period of time can be fatal. If you haven't already done so, you might want to have your boiler inspected to rule out its leaking of any potentially hazardous gases, as well as purchasing a carbon monoxide detector to help guard you and your family from this potentially deadly gas. Carbon monoxide detectors are relatively inexpensive, and they have the potential to save your life. You can even purchase a combination smoke / carbon monoxide detector that can keep you safe from fire and fumes.
Carbon monoxide can't be smelled, seen or tasted, and being exposed to it for an extended period of time can be fatal. If you haven't already done so, you might want to have your boiler inspected to rule out its leaking of any potentially hazardous gases, as well as purchasing a carbon monoxide detector to help guard you and your family from this potentially deadly gas. Carbon monoxide detectors are relatively inexpensive, and they have the potential to save your life. You can even purchase a combination smoke / carbon monoxide detector that can keep you safe from fire and fumes.
  3 Pack Combination Photoelectric Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detector, amazon.com |
  Google Nest Protect - Smoke Alarm - Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector, amazon.com |
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Eliminate Mold & Dampness
Mold can damage wood surfaces and cause indoor pollutants toxic to human health.
To keep mold and mildew at bay in your home, make sure you have adequate ventilation in both your kitchen and bathroom as well as any other areas of the home that see moisture (like, say, the laundry room). Opening windows and running exhaust fans will help to eliminate the moisture that causes mold and mildew, but for larger areas like a damp basement, you might want to consider utilizing a dehumidifier, which can reduce the overall moisture level thus preventing mold growth.
Mold can damage wood surfaces and cause indoor pollutants toxic to human health.
To keep mold and mildew at bay in your home, make sure you have adequate ventilation in both your kitchen and bathroom as well as any other areas of the home that see moisture (like, say, the laundry room). Opening windows and running exhaust fans will help to eliminate the moisture that causes mold and mildew, but for larger areas like a damp basement, you might want to consider utilizing a dehumidifier, which can reduce the overall moisture level thus preventing mold growth.
  Amazon Basics 2,500SF dehumidifier, amazon.com |
  Govee Wifi Smart Dehumidifier, amazon.com |
Infographic courtesy of hud.gov
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