A house should feel relaxing, comfortable, and safe. Boost the wellness of your entire family by taking steps to maintain a safe and healthy home.
Test the Smoke Detectors to Maintain a Safe and Healthy Home
Develop a habit of checking your smoke detectors each month. Press the test button to make sure the alarm sounds and change the batteries once a year. This is a chore children can assist with. Have them set a reminder on their phone, so it’s not forgotten.
Change the HVAC Filter
The air filter in the HVAC unit is meant to trap dust, pollen, pet dander, etc. Changing the filter regularly keeps your home cleaner and improves indoor air quality. Most people change the filter every two or three months. If you have pets or suffer from allergies, change yours monthly.
Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors
If you use a fuel-burning appliance in your home, install a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that is a by-product of combustion. The gas is odorless but can cause nausea, headaches, confusion, fatigue, and death. A carbon monoxide detector alerts you to the presence of the gas in your home.
Repair Water Leaks Promptly for a Safe and Healthy Home
Water leaks are more than a minor annoyance. Once building materials get wet, they can hold moisture for a while, creating an environment conducive to mold growth. Mold can cause respiratory issues and nausea for some family members, especially in people with allergies. Repair leaks as soon as you find them. If you remove the mold and it comes back, contact a professional mold remediation company.
Lock the Windows
Before leaving your home, check the windows. Burglars often enter a home through windows that are closed but not locked. If your window locks are not strong and secure, have them replaced.
Take the Garbage Out Daily for a Safe and Healthy Home
Don’t wait for the trash can to overflow before taking it out. Regularly emptying the kitchen trash will keep pests like cockroaches, rodents, and ants away. Some pests carry disease, so take steps to deter them from your home.
Purchase a Fire Extinguisher
Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen and one on each level of your home. Make sure everyone in your family knows how to use them. Fire stations sometimes offer classes where they teach this skill. If you already have a fire extinguisher, check to make sure it’s charged and ready for use.
Follow the tips above, and do a safety review once or twice a year. You’ll boost security around your home and create a healthier place to live.
Bronze Star Home Inspections provides inspections to home buyers and sellers in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Contact us to schedule our services.