Even if you don't have a lot of time, there are numerous things you can do within an hour every season to make a difference in your home's air quality.
Spring:
- Vacuum regularly with an efficient vacuum cleaner.
- Wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot water once a week.
- Reduce clutter and get rid of unwanted materials to limit dust build-up.
- Test your carbon monoxide detector and change the batteries.
- Check your humidity level with a hygrometer to make sure it is between 30-50%.
- Check dehumidifier and drain/clean if necessary.
- Check eavestroughs and downspouts for loose pieces.
- Air out your home by opening windows and doors to let in fresh air.
Summer:
- Vacuum regularly with an efficient vacuum cleaner.
- Wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot water once a week.
- Test your carbon monoxide detector and change the batteries.
- Monitor basement humidity and use a dehumidifier to maintain relative humidity lower than 50 per cent.
- Clean your dehumidifier regularly.
- Air out your home by opening windows and doors to let in fresh air.
- Walk around your home and inspect the foundation walls for cracks or holes. Make a note of any cracks found and set aside a weekend to seal these up as soon as possible.
Fall:
- Call your energy company or a qualified professional to make an appointment to have your furnace, wood or gas stove, fireplace, flue, and chimney checked to ensure they are all working properly.
- Change or clean your furnace air filters – be sure this is done every 1-3 months during the heating season.
- Set up your radon test kit for a minimum 3 month period during the fall/winter months.
- Test your carbon monoxide detector and change the batteries.
- Check to see that windows and doors close tightly, and replace weather stripping if needed.
- Clean your dehumidifier before putting it away for the winter.
- Check your humidity level with a hygrometer to make sure it is between 30-50%. If the humidity is below 30%, use a portable humidifier and make sure it is cleaned and emptied regularly and stop using it if humidity levels go above 50%.
- Vacuum regularly with an efficient vacuum cleaner.
- Wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot water once a week.
Winter:
- Change or clean your furnace air filters – be sure this is done every 1-3 months during the heating season.
- Set up your radon test kit for a minimum 3 month period during the winter months.
- Test your carbon monoxide detector and change the batteries.
- Monitor your home for excessive moisture – look for condensation on windows which shows too much moisture is found inside the home.
- Check your humidity level with a hygrometer to make sure it is between 30-50%. If the humidity is below 30%, use a portable humidifier and make sure it is cleaned and emptied regularly and stop using it if humidity levels go above 50%.
- Vacuum regularly with an efficient vacuum cleaner.
- Wash bedding and stuffed animals in hot water once a week
Did You Know
Many people mistake carbon monoxide poisoning for the flu? Early symptoms include headaches, nausea and fatigue. Install carbon monoxide detectors to help keep your home safe.
