NO SMOKING
We could write a whole blog on this one alone. To put it simply, homes in which there is cigarette or cigar smoking, there is poorer air quality. And we’re talking among the poorest. In homes with smoking, the smoke is not just in the air. It is engrossed into the furniture, embedded in the carpet, stuck to the bedding, and covering the walls. All this can escalate a slew of breathing and health problems in the home, ESPECIALLY if you have children. Tobacco has more than 4,000 different chemicals in it and pollutants that are harmful. It can even lead to premature death. If you absolutely MUST smoke, for the sake of everyone living in the home or visiting, take it outside.
CHECK FOR RADON
The ground in particular areas can release radon, experts say, so it’s always a good idea to have your home checked for it. Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that can lead to lung cancer. In the majority of instances, the source of radon is located in the earth and rock upon which a particular home is constructed. Building materials can also release radon. When radon is released, the structure of your home can act as a “chimney,” causing negative pressure to suck the gas inside, especially basements.
ELIMINATE AEROSOL PRODUCTS
Aerosol products can contaminate the air indoors. These are utilized in an assortment of different products. Popular ones include cleaning supplies, hair spray, deodorant, insect killer and more. Reducing the use of these can preserve the air in your home or business. Vinagre has been used as an effective cleaning agent in place of your more toxic cleaning supplies.
DEADLY CAR EXHAUST FUMES
This one can play a major role. A lot of homeowners let their vehicles idle or warm up during the colder months. This can be a major cause of poor air quality for houses with adjoined garages. It is also essential to remember this when the garage door is closed.
NON-SCENTED PAINT
The number of paint products on the market these days are endless. If you look, you can find paints that have no smell at all and are devised to promote healthy indoor air quality. If you are conducting any sort of home renovation, restoration or improvement project, this is important. Find those that are environmentally friendly.
GET SMOKE DETECTORS
Smoke detectors are essential to any building. They are not only beneficial in alarming you of a fire. These lifesaving devices notify you when there is any sort of smoke in the air. To guarantee air quality in your living spaces, this is a vital tool in your arsenal.
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
Next up, you’ll want to get carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Most of us know about this colorless, odorless gas. It might be one of the most poisonous substances you could conceivably come in touch within your home. Your most reliable defense against this dangerous poison is a carbon monoxide detector. Most people don’t normally consider this a top priority when talking about indoor air quality but make no mistake. It could save your life. Carbon monoxide is created by the inadequate burning of fossil fuels, such as natural gas. This usually happens in ineffective heating appliances. Furnaces, boilers, and gas fires are prime examples. If your flue or chimney is obstructed, the CO will be unable to leave your home, leaving a dangerous concentration to build up quickly.
TRY BEESWAX CANDLES
Candles help spaces feel comfortable, but many candles contain paraffin, which is made from petroleum and can impact your home’s air quality. Instead, try beeswax candles, which emit almost no smoke, so they are great options for those with allergies and asthma.
GO FRAGRANCE-FREE
Fragrances manufactured in many cleaning products can affect people with asthma and allergies. Shop for fragrance-free alternatives, including laundry detergent and kitchen and bathroom soaps. Try using more natural cleaners such as lemon and baking soda and vinegar to keep your house shining clean.
SERVICE YOUR FURNACE REGULARLY
Making sure your furnace gets serviced regularly will save you a lot of headaches — literally. Think coughing and wheezing and headaches and sneezes.
When your furnace isn’t operating up to an optimal standard, it will not clean your air as it should. Worse yet, it can create more costly maintenance issues or cease functioning entirely. Routinely servicing your furnace is crucial. Try to have it done at least once per year. To figure out the best maintenance program for your unit, call Hilliard-Dublin Heating & Air today at 614-490-7520, or schedule an appointment now at www.hilliarddublinheatingandair.com/schedule-now/.
