Ways to Keep Your Home Healthy And Safe
Every homeowner wants a place where family and friends are comfortable, safe, and happy. In this article, we’ll look at some simple ways to keep a healthy and safe home.
Test Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors sound an alarm if a fire breaks out in your home. An early warning gives you and your family members a few extra minutes to escape a dangerous situation. Smoke detectors typically alert you when their batteries run low or when a sensor becomes damaged. However, it’s important to test your devices monthly to make sure the alarm will sound. Put a reminder on your calendar to change the batteries twice every year.
Filter the Water to Keep Your Home Healthy and Safe
Installing water filters is an easy way to make your home safer and healthier. Your tap water may contain harmful organisms, heavy metals, and sediment. Order a water-quality test to learn about contaminants in your tap water and then choose a filter based on what impurities you want to remove. There are many types of water filtration systems to choose from. You’ll find filters that attach to your faucets, pitcher filters that filter within a container, showerhead filters, and whole-house systems.
Safe Use of Extension Cords
Be careful when using extension cords. Power cords, including extension cords, should never be run across a walkway or beneath rugs. The cords are subject to damage from foot traffic and can overheat, causing a fire. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. If you find yourself using extension cords frequently, contact an electrician to install additional outlets in your home.
Remove Dryer Lint
Lint buildup in the clothes dryer is a common cause of house fires. Clean the lint trap each time you use the appliance. It’s also important to clean the dryer vent. Approximately every 2 or 3 months, unclip the vent from the back of the machine and clean it out using your vacuum attachment. This will remove the lint that has built up inside the vent pipe.
Clean Your Home Thoroughly to Keep it Healthy and Safe
To make sure your home is healthy and safe, it’s important to keep it clean. Clean your bathroom regularly and thoroughly. Neglecting this area can lead to the spread of harmful bacteria.
Frequent dusting helps improve the air quality in your home. This is important in any home, but particularly necessary if someone living in your home has asthma or other breathing issues.
When vacuuming, use a machine with a HEPA filter. This type of filter traps even the smallest particles. Vacuum at least once a week, though you may want to vacuum more often if you have pets in your home or family members with allergies.
Carolina Homechek provides home inspection services to Mecklenburg and the surrounding counties in North Carolina. Contact us to schedule an inspection.