Tips to Improve Your Home’s Air Quality

Improving the air quality in your home is may seem like a daunting task, but there are several things you can do that will greatly benefit the health of you and your family. If you need assistance with some of these tasks, call on Handyman Connection of Austin.

Test for Radon
Did you know that an estimated 40 percent of Pennsylvania homes have radon levels above EPA’s action guideline of 4 picocuries per liter? Radon is a radioactive gas. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and chemically inert. Unless you test for it, there is no way of telling how much is present. The EPA encourages all homeowners to test their residences for radon gas concentrations. You can test your home for radon by purchasing a kit available at most home improvement stores.

Reduce Asthma Triggers

• Do not smoke inside your home.
• Wash bedding once a week in hot water to prevent dust mites.
• Use dust proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
• Vacuum carpets and furniture every week.
• Choose stuffed toys that you can wash. Wash stuffed toys in hot water. Dry completely before your child plays with the toy.

• Dust often with a damp cloth.
• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter on carpet and fabric-covered furniture to reduce dust build-up.
• When using cleaning products, open windows or doors, or use an exhaust fan.

Control Moisture, Prevent Mold

• Installing weatherstripping on windows and doors can prevent humid air from entering your home.
• Keep exhaust fans located in your kitchen and bathrooms clean and free of dust so they can work at maximum efficiency at moving damp air out of your home.
• Leave shower doors open so the shower can dry out thoroughly.
• Do not store firewood inside your home.
• Fix water leaks as soon as possible to keep mold from growing.
• Use a dehumidifier.

Install Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure. Carbon monoxide alarms are affordable and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.

Remember, Handyman Connection of Austin is just a phone call away when you need help improving the air quality inside your home. Call us today or click here to request a no-obligation, free project estimate!