13 Tips for Creating a Healthy and Safe Home

It’s estimated that one in four teens have chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and asthma. Your home can have a significant impact on your family’s health. By making certain changes, you can improve your family’s quality of life and wellbeing. Here are 13 tips for creating a healthy home.

Keep Up With HVAC Maintenance

Your air conditioning system can affect the quality of the air inside your home. Consider having an inspection done by local air conditioning services in your area once a year. An HVAC technician can clean and maintain your system, spot potential problems early, and make any necessary repairs. This can get rid of allergens, mold, and insect droppings that can make your family sick. Toxic indoor air can weaken your immune system, disrupt your sleep, and cause chronic illnesses to develop.

Make sure to change your air filters at least once every three months to help you in creating a healthy home. If you have pets or allergies, you may want to change them more often. Make sure the area around your outdoor unit is clear of vegetation and debris. You may also want to consider using air purifiers, especially during winter months. Opening your windows and investing in green plants can also keep the air quality in your home healthy for the entire family.

Remove Dead or Dying Trees

Removing dead or dying trees is vital for creating a healthy home. Dead trees can be inviting for pests to raid your home and make your family sick. Dead trees can also pose a risk of injury to anyone on your property. Consider looking for the best tree removal service in your area to cut down any unhealthy trees around your home.

Before hiring a tree service, you may want to do some research first to avoid potential scammers. You want to make sure the company is fully licensed, insured, and accredited with the Better Business Bureau. Find out what their reputation is in the local community and review any online complaints. Get multiple estimates and be wary of anyone charging too high or too low for their services. Once you’ve found a tree removal company you’re comfortable with, pay them only when the job is finished and you’re completely satisfied.

Repair Cracks in Your Driveway

Cracks in your driveway can create serious injury. In your efforts for creating a healthy home, you may want to consider hiring an asphalt repair company to resurface your driveway. You may be able to repair minor cracks yourself, but larger cracks may be more difficult to deal with if you don’t know what you’re doing. To prevent your driveway from cracking, consider applying sealant and make sure your driveway has proper drainage. Avoid spilling chemicals that can cause the surface to erode.

Before making any driveway repairs, make sure the area is free from debris. Make sure you use protective equipment and use the right tools if you’re doing the work yourself. After filling cracks, the area should be allowed to dry completely before use. You may want to consider having your driveway inspected at least once a year to spot problems before they become serious.

Invest in Roof Repair

Water damage from roof leaks can create ideal conditions for mold growth. Mold can cause serious health conditions such as respiratory illnesses. If the water damage affects the electrical system, it could start a fire. Investing in roof repair is essential in creating a healthy home. Have your roof inspected at least once a year to prevent major problems with your roof.

Replace any damaged or missing shingles and make sure your gutters are thoroughly cleaned. Seal any cracks and inspect insulation for gaps. If you notice any extensive damage, you may want to consider hiring a roofing contractor. A contractor can provide recommendations for caring for and repairing your roof. As with any service provider, make sure you thoroughly research the company before signing any contracts and get multiple estimates for the project work.

Keep Your Septic Tank Clear

Keeping your septic tank clean is crucial for creating a healthy home. If you don’t keep up with regular septic tank maintenance, your groundwater could become contaminated. This can increase your risk of infections and acute illnesses. The septic tank needs to be pumped periodically to remove accumulated buildup and sludge.

Your septic tank should be inspected and pumped by a professional at least once every three years. You can improve the performance of your septic tank by investing in high-efficiency toilets, water fixtures, and showerheads. Be careful with what you flush down your toilet and drains to prevent clogging and damage to your septic tank. Run full loads of laundry and spread them out throughout the week to avoid overworking your septic system. Keep your drain field clear of debris and make sure gutters aren’t flowing excess water into the system.

Inspect Fire Alarms Regularly

Another great tip for creating a healthy home is to inspect fire alarm systems on a regular basis. It’s important to make sure your family is safe if a fire should break out. Depending on where you live, fire alarm inspections can be done weekly or once a year. Make sure the batteries are working properly on a regular basis and replace them when necessary. Test smoke detectors once a month and have at least one installed on each floor of your home.

Have a fire escape plan ready and teach your children what to do in case of a fire. You may want to consider having fire drills every so often in order to be prepared. Keep fire extinguishers in the kitchen and near fireplaces. Show kids how they should be operated. You may also want to keep a list of emergency contact numbers where every family member can easily access it.

Update Old Electrical Systems

If you’re considering home remodeling, you may want to consider updating old electrical systems for creating a healthy home. Any electrical work should be performed by a licensed electrician. If you try to do it yourself, you can risk serious injury. Have your home’s electrical system inspected at least once every year. If your children are young, safety proof electrical outlets to protect them from sticking items in them and causing injury. Avoid overusing too many electrical appliances at once and use surge protectors as necessary.

Inspect power cords in your home for fraying or cracks. Make sure electrical outlets aren’t blocked from being able to circulate air so they don’t overheat. Clean all the exhaust fans in your home. If you do any electrical work yourself, make sure to turn off the power first. By properly maintaining your electrical system, you may be able to avoid expensive replacement costs in the future.

Upgrade Your Common Spaces

Upgrading common areas can help immensely in creating a healthy home. One major project you may want to consider is kitchen remodeling. Remodeling your kitchen can help promote a healthier lifestyle for your family. Consider opening up your kitchen to create multiple work zones to make prepping and cooking healthy meals easier. This can also open up space so you can spend time together as a family making delicious and nutritious family dinners. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and water fixtures.

Another common area you may want to consider for creating a healthy home is your bathroom. Your bathroom can contain hazards that can significantly impact your family’s health. Moisture buildup from baths and showers can create mold which can endanger your family’s respiratory and immune systems. Consider installing a sensor vent fan to remove excess moisture. You may also want to upgrade to touchless toilets and faucets to improve your family’s hygienic health.

In addition, if you decide to paint a room in your home, make sure you’re using high-quality interior paint. It’s also not a bad idea to hire a professional painting company to help you get the job done right. This can also help protect your family from paint fumes and ensure that no spot is missed.

Use Natural Products

The products you use to clean your home have a significant impact in creating a healthy home. Many products contain toxic chemicals that can make your family sick. Many of these cleaners contain ingredients that have been linked to skin irritation, respiratory illnesses, and other similar chronic illnesses. You can make your own natural products with items such as baking soda, lemons, and vinegar. You may also want to avoid products containing fragrances and air fresheners and use essential oils instead.

Instead of using non-stick cookware, consider using stainless steel or cast iron cookware. Store leftovers in glass containers rather than plastic. Switch your personal care products to ones with natural ingredients you can easily pronounce when you read the labels. Consider changing your mattress to an organic one free from volatile organic compounds. Opt for biodegradable laundry products and dry your clothes naturally.

Choose Cleaner Flooring Options

Carpeted flooring can trap dust and toxins that can get buried deep within the fibers and into your floorboards. Removing carpet can be an excellent step in creating a healthy home for your family. Wood and tile can be easier to clean and maintain. Vacuum at least twice a week and clean the vacuum bag thoroughly. When choosing flooring options, make sure the flooring is free from volatile organic compounds. Make sure to seal and wax your floors regularly to protect them from stains and water damage.

Test Your Home

Lead paint and radon are invisible hazards you don’t want to ignore when creating a healthy home. Lead and radon have been linked to brain damage and lung cancer. You can hire a professional or request lead testing from your local health department. Radon kits can be purchased at local hardware stores. You may also want to check out the Environmental Protection Agency’s website for advice and tips on dealing with lead and radon in your home.

Along with lead and radon testing, you may also want to consider installing carbon monoxide detectors. Heat and fuel-burning appliances in your home can produce this gas inside your home, which can become deadly if it reaches concentrated levels. Your vents usually release this gas, but may not do so if they become clogged. You can buy carbon monoxide detectors online or at a hardware store. You may also want to consider having your vents and chimney inspected to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

Invest in Home Security

Making sure your home is safe from burglary can help immensely in creating a healthy home. Invest in a home security system to help protect your family’s emotional and mental wellbeing. Many home security systems also contain features such as fire and carbon monoxide detectors. In the event of an emergency, local authorities will be immediately dispatched to your home. You may also want to consider inspecting doors and windows and protect them with safety features to prevent invaders from entering your home.

Child Proof Your Home

In creating a healthy home, you may want to look for hazards that can potentially injure your children. Keep household chemicals and medications out of reach and childproof electrical outlets. If you have a pool, you may want to consider installing a protective fence and a gate with a locking mechanism. Install window guards to prevent accidental falls and store window blind cords out of reach. Keep a first aid kit in your home to handle any type of emergency.

You may also want to anchor heavy furniture and electronics to prevent them from toppling over. If you have a gun in your home, make sure it is locked and stored away properly. Cover sharp edges on tables and counters. Make sure cords and toys are removed from walking areas to prevent trips and falls. Use gates around your home to prevent smaller children from accessing dangerous areas such as the stairs and kitchen stove.

Making your home healthier doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. By following these tips for creating a healthy home, you can help ensure your family’s safety and wellbeing is protected. You can have peace of mind because you know your home is properly cleaned and maintained. Your family’s health is your highest priority. Take steps today to create a healthy home so you can continue making cherished memories together for a long time to come.