Your home’s environment should be as safe, pure and comfortable as possible for yourself and your family. You may think that this is already true, but do you know for sure? What follows is something of a checklist that you can use to improve your home’s environment so that it meets the highest standards.
Water Quality
Your first thing to think about is water quality. You might have your water system tested to see if there are too many minerals and/or impurities in your water. This will help you determine if you need a water softener or full water conditioner system. You might also choose to purchase water filters for your faucets or a filter pitcher. Your family should always have access to safe, good-tasting water.
Air Quality
You must also consider the air quality in your home. Again, call in a professional to test your home’s environment, clean air ducts and determine your level of allergens. This way, you can decide if you should purchase some kind of air purification for your home. You can also take practical steps like vacuuming your house regularly, using low VOC paints and furnishings, running fans when you cook, using natural air fresheners and introducing plants into your environment.
Heating and Cooling
The right level of heating and cooling is essential for your family’s comfort and safety. Have your furnace and air conditioner inspected regularly, and call for service if you notice warning signs of improper functioning. You can also take steps to keep your home warmer in the winter by filling drafts, using a programmable thermostat, making sure vents and radiators aren’t blocked and changing your furnace filter. In the summer, you can use ceiling fans, block excess sunlight, run a dehumidifier and avoid using the stove or oven.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can create major problems in your home. If you suspect you might have either, you should take a proactive stance to remove them. First, use a solution of bleach, detergent and water. You’ll have to adjust proportions according to the surface you’re scrubbing, so do your research. Then you need to find the source of the problem. Leaks are one of the major culprits as is insufficient insulation. You may need to call in professionals to fix the issues and remove larger areas of mold.
Noise
Is your home too noisy? You might be rather desensitized to all the sounds of your home and not notice them all that much, but excessive noise can be a real problem. You may want to try to cut back on noise by encouraging family members to turn down volumes, installing soundproofing materials in some areas and running a white noise machine to cancel out other sounds especially when you’re trying to sleep or work.
Talk to your family about this issue. You might decide to designate certain quiet times during the day. Even an hour when everyone turns off devices or switches to earphones can provide a window of quiet that you’ll appreciate.
Relaxation
Finally, you should make your home into a place in which you can truly relax. Create comfortable areas using furniture, drapes, carpeting, rugs, pillows and throws. Soft fabrics in colors you like can create a sense of peace and relaxation. Focus on getting the right lighting, too.
Also, be sure to organize your home well. Clutter is definitely not comfortable. Use storage boxes, bins and baskets to tuck your possessions away, and be sure to label so that you can easily find what you need when you need it.
If you can’t manage to create a relaxing atmosphere throughout your entire house, then at least designate one room as a retreat. Make sure it’s a room where you can shut the door. Bring in a comfortable chair and side table, some books, a way to listen to music and whatever else helps you wind down.
Your home should be a place where your family can live easily and be safe and comfortable. So make your way down this checklist to improve your home’s environment.
