Your residence should provide a sanctuary where you can unwind and relax after a long day at work. However, without proper cleaning and precautions, your beloved home could become a hazardous place filled with potential health risks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common dangers in the home include elevated radon levels, water leaks, structural issues, lead-based paint, and malfunctioning smoke alarms. Additionally, vermin or insect infestations and mold can be prevalent in poorly cleaned homes, adding to the list of potential hazards.
The specific safety requirements for your home depend on the individuals living with you. If you have children, elderly residents, or individuals with mobility challenges, extra precautions are necessary. By following these tips for a healthy home, you can enhance safety, cleanliness, and overall well-being in the place you call home.
TIPS FOR CREATING A HEALTHIER HOME
A healthy home ensures the safety of its occupants by mitigating bacteria and potential hazards. Each room presents its own set of risks, but with proper planning and preventive measures, you can establish a healthy environment where your family can relax and thrive.
EXTERIOR
To initiate the promotion of healthy practices inside your home, it’s essential to inspect the exterior to prevent critters from entering and allow fresh air to circulate. Here are some steps to improve the health of your home:
Inspect the exterior for holes, cracks, and leaks: This helps to keep out the elements and unwanted pests.
Remove any standing water: Adding a fountain element to a bird feeder prevents standing water, which serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other bugs.
Secure your trash receptacles tightly: Raccoons and other animals are attracted to plastic trash bags, so using sealed bins deters them from rummaging for food scraps.
Clear and maintain gutters: This ensures that moisture and standing water are directed away from your home.
Be aware of your home’s age: If your home was constructed before 1978, it may contain lead-based paint. When engaging in painting or renovation projects, take precautions to avoid releasing toxins into the air. Consult professionals for safe practices in dealing with lead paint.
Place entry mats on both sides of the door: Entry mats help prevent dirt, allergens, pollutants, and yard chemicals from being tracked into the home. Opting for a washable mat simplifies cleaning, and considering a no-shoes policy indoors enhances safety.
Ensure proper ventilation: Adequate ventilation facilitates the influx of clean exterior air and the removal of stale, polluted indoor air.
INSIDE
KITCHEN
Kitchens can pose several health risks due to stoves, burners, and uncovered food. When examining your kitchen, pay attention to the following:
Regular sanitation: Frequently sanitize surfaces such as faucets, which can become breeding grounds for germs due to constant use. Installing touchless faucets can significantly reduce the accumulation of germs around the sink.
Test water safety: Clear water does not always indicate safety. Consider working with professionals to implement UV water treatment, which eliminates the need for harsh chemicals. UV treatment deactivates microorganisms, ensuring cleaner drinking water for your family. Free water quality analysis is often available to assess the safety of your tap water.
Install a carbon monoxide alarm: Protect your family from odorless and colorless carbon monoxide gas by installing a carbon monoxide alarm. Ensure it is regularly checked by professionals.
Regularly check the fridge and pantry for expired food: Moldy or decaying food poses health risks. Dispose of such items in a closed trash can to deter pests.
BEDROOMS
Your bedroom serves as a personal retreat, and creating a relaxing and peaceful environment involves eliminating potential hazards and enhancing cleanliness. Consider the following tips to promote your family’s health in their bedrooms:
Incorporate oxygen-rich plants: Adding greenery like spider plants or aloe vera is a low-maintenance way to improve air quality by reducing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These plants can enhance the quality of air in your bedroom, potentially leading to better sleep.
Air out bedding: If you or your partner tends to sweat during sleep, moisture in the bedding can attract dust mites. Before making the bed, allow the sheets and pillows to air out and dry, preventing mite buildup.
Keep office equipment out: To maintain a clear distinction between work and rest, it’s advisable to keep printers and other office supplies out of the bedroom. Copiers and printers can release lung irritants, potentially interfering with sleep quality.
BATHROOMS
Without proper care and precautions, bathrooms can become breeding grounds for contamination and pose risks of slips and falls. By regularly sanitizing and addressing potential trip hazards, you can reduce these risks. Consider the following bathroom tips:
Maintain a clean toilet: Establish a regular and thorough bathroom cleaning routine that includes sanitizing the toilet. Upgrading to a more efficient toilet model can also make a significant difference in the bathroom.
Dispose of expired medication: Regularly check the expiration dates of medications and ensure they are up-to-date and safe to use. Store all drugs safely out of the reach of children and use childproof caps as an additional safety measure.
Store cleaning products out of reach: Safely dispose of unused materials to maintain an organized cabinet and minimize the accessibility of cleaning solutions for children.
Use non-skid mats under rugs: Trips and slips in bathrooms can be dangerous. Place non-slip mats under rugs and consider installing grab bars near the tub and toilet for added support if needed.
Inspect walls for cracks and failing caulk: Cracks and deteriorating caulk are prone to mold and mildew growth. Repair and re-caulk as necessary.
Dehumidify the air: Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments. Ensure proper ventilation by using an exhaust fan that vents outdoors to remove moisture after a shower. Consider investing in a bathroom dehumidifier for more effective drying.
By implementing these measures, you can create healthier and safer environments in both the bedroom and bathroom, supporting the well-being of your household.
LIVING ROOM
Creating a welcoming and safe communal space in your home is important. Here are some suggestions to enhance the safety of your living room:
Invest in a high-quality central vacuuming system: Opt for a system that vents outdoors as it has the highest potential to remove harmful dust and allergens effectively.
Install an air purifier: Indoor air can contain concentrations of pollutants up to five times higher than outdoor air, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Air purifiers can improve the air quality inside your home by eliminating odors, pollutants, and chemical vapors. Look for an air purifier with a High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter to ensure thorough cleaning of microscopic particles. Consider a whole-home air purifier for optimal results.
BASEMENT
While the basement may not be top of mind when it comes to home health, it plays a significant role in ensuring your home’s safety. Take the following steps to improve the safety of your basement:
Have a professional test your water for backflow issues: Plumbing problems can lead to wastewater flowing back into your potable water, compromising its safety for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. Consult a plumber to address any potential backflow risks and protect your family’s health.
Schedule an HVAC checkup: It’s essential to ensure that appliances such as furnaces and boilers are functioning correctly and venting carbon monoxide properly. Carbon monoxide exposure poses serious health risks, so prioritize regular maintenance to safeguard your family.
Dispose of solvents, paints, and hazardous materials properly: When removing these dangerous substances from your home, remember that they cannot be disposed of with regular trash. Research the appropriate methods and locations for safe disposal of hazardous materials in your area to ensure the well-being of yourself and waste disposal professionals.
WANT TO KEEP YOUR HOME HEALTHY?
LEARN HOW ENERGY EFFICIENCY EXPERTS CAN HELP
At Energy Efficiency Experts we prioritize creating a healthy home environment through our energy-efficient solutions. With our comprehensive energy audit, we identify areas for improvement, ensuring proper insulation and ventilation. Our range of energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy solutions minimize emissions and promote clean air circulation. Take control of your energy consumption with our energy management services, optimizing efficiency and receiving personalized recommendations. Invest in an energy audit today to discover how we can enhance your home’s healthiness by prioritizing energy efficiency and creating a space that nurtures your well-being. Contact us for a healthier future for you and your loved ones.
