Fall Home & Air Quality Improvement Tips

Fall Home & Air Quality Improvement Tips

The fall season is the perfect time of year to complete those much needed home improvements in preparation for the winter months. Along with the obvious raking of leaves and gutter cleaning, there are a multitude of other indoor and outdoor chores needed to be done in order to get your house ready for the much dreaded winter and help keep your family safe with a healthy home during the cold and flu season.

Here are some fall home & air quality improvement tips that will not only improve your families overall comfort levels and not worsen symptoms, but may also act as significant money savers.

1) Humidity Control Improvements: Raising the heat in your home during the winter months can cause dryness in the air resulting in sore throats, nose bleeds and an increase in colds and flu’s in your households. Installing a whole home humidifier in your home can help alleviate these common ailments.

2) Window Coverings: Older windows in your home can cause a significant amount of heat loss during the colder months. If replacing the windows in your home is too costly, using a plastic to insulate can save you a ton of money. Getting rid of old window coverings can also reduce dust and particulate levels from tired curtains that have “hung” around too long.

3) Air Purity Improvements: Proper home ventilation and air purification can improve the overall air quality in your home by trapping bacteria, allergens and viruses. As well as removing harmful pollutants from the air such as Carbon Monoxide, VOC’s and formaldehyde. Make sure filters are changed regularly.

In addition to indoor winter preparation, here are a number of necessary outdoor chores to get done during the fall months.

1) Caulking: Windows, siding and joints should be caulked in order to prevent drafts, keep out pests and reduce energy bills during the winter months.

2) Walkway and Path Maintenance: In order to avoid dangerous conditions during the snow and ice season, it is important to level bricks and repair concrete to avoid accidents cause by snow covered and icy walkways and paths.

3) Power Washing: Even with the best quality siding, you will want to give your home a thorough cleaning with a high pressure power washer to remove any dust and dirt that may have accumulated over the year.

The fall season is an ideal time of year for home improvements to keep your home and family safe and healthy through the upcoming cold and flu season.  Follow these fall home and air quality improvement tips and avoid sick building syndrome or a toxic home.  You will be well on your way to a healthier and more comfortable winter season.