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One Hour Do-It-Yourself Projects

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.