We’re getting into the depths of fall now, with many of us experiencing more chills, rain, and wind. While you may be mourning summer, it’s still important to make sure that you’re prepared for the darker and colder time of the year. The health of your home, and the people inside it, depends on making sure that it’s a safe, comfortable, hygienic haven. Here are a few ways to do just that.
Take Care Of Your Heating System
The biggest potential threat to the health of the family during winter is the cold, and that’s a fact. For that reason, make sure that you have reliable heating by scheduling a professional inspection of your furnace, boiler, or heat pump, preferably before the cold weather really starts to make its way in. Make all of the necessary checks and replacements, like as cleaning or replacing filters and bleeding your radiators if they need it. Taking the time to confirm your heating system is in peak condition keeps energy bills manageable while maintaining a warm, safe, and healthy indoor environment for your household.
Check For Pests
As the days get colder in the fall, all kinds of pests can begin looking at your home for food and warmth. Insects, spiders, and even birds and rodents might come knocking, and when they get in, they can chew at the home materials, break into your food, leave droppings, and generally make the whole place a lot less sanitary. Keep an eye out for the common fall pests and get in touch with an exterminator if you see any signs of an infestation. The sooner you act against pests, the better.
Take A Look At The Roof
Taking care of your roof (and your gutter) should always be one of your routine fall home maintenance tasks, every year. Check for loose or missing shingles, damaged flashing, and clogged gutters that can lead to leaks once snow and ice accumulate. Clearing leaves and debris from gutters ensures proper drainage, reducing the risk of ice dams forming, which can cause serious water damage inside the home. Arranging for a professional inspection can take the risk out of this necessary task, too.
Work On Your Air Quality
In winter, we tend to keep our homes sealed up to keep the heat in, but if your home isn’t well ventilated, then more pollutants can get trapped in your air. Lower air quality can make you more likely to get sick and can even exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma. Change your HVAC filters regularly, and consider using an air purifier to reduce allergens, dust, and pollutants. Houseplants can also help freshen the air naturally. Using a humidifier to control moisture levels in the air is important, too, as using the heating more often can make that air dryer, which can irritate skin and cause coughs.
Having a home that’s cold, exposed to the elements, and perhaps even harboring a few uninvited guests can be a real potential threat to the health of you and your family. Hopefully, the tips above help you give your space the care it needs.
