Posted by Bruce Borden in Home Maintenance

As you settle into home sweet home, things like dust, pet dander, and regular traffic and usage can all build up. You’ll be responsible for your home’s regular maintenance, such as changing air filters, cleaning and dusting, and other areas of upkeep.

If you neglect these areas of homeownership you may run into costly repairs and even health concerns.

“Everyday living creates unwanted odors and pollutants like cooking, owning pets, and accumulation of household dusts. Dust mites, pet dander, mold, and pollen exposure can negatively impact respiratory health,” warns Darcy Lee of Trane Residential.

Couple Petting Dog on Couch

Stay on top of your home’s air quality with these easy-to-follow tips that will keep your home high-functioning.

Easy, Quick Home Maintenance to Improve Air Quality in Your Home

Lee offers three easy home maintenance items to put on your regular to-do list:

  1. Assess the humidity in your home: Maintaining a humidity level of between 40 and 60 percent in the home is key to mitigating indoor air quality problems and to ensuring your ultimate comfort once temperatures begin to drop.
  2. Set your thermostat to the proper temperature: Turn down (or up, depending on the time of year) your thermostat when you are headed out for dinner, off to work, or traveling.
  3. Check your home's insulation: Check for air leaks in the insulation of your home to ensure that heat doesn't escape.
Woman Adjusting Thermostat

In addition to these three areas, it’s vital to keep up with regularly cleaning your home thoroughly, such as dusting, washing windows and floors, and carrying out seasonal maintenance both indoors and out.

“Changing of air filters must happen routinely and at a frequency recommended by the filter manufacturer,” adds Mike Powell of Red Flag Home Inspection. “Ensure that the selected air filter has a rating to remove mold spores from air.”

Person Changing Air Filter

These home maintenance tips prevent buildup, moisture, and mold—some of the common issues that contribute to poor air quality in a home.

At any point if you suspect an air quality problem, inspect your home thoroughly for mold and moisture accumulation.

“Even if you do not find visible mold or water damage but still suspect elevated mold, you should consider hiring a mold assessor to evaluate,” advises Powell.

Take the steps to investigate any concerns with air quality. You want to keep your home looking great and operating normally!

New Construction Home Interior

Knowing how to prevent issues and what types of air quality concerns to watch out for will keep you from being reactive to existing issues.

Rather than deal with expensive maintenance technician bills or other avoidable headaches, if you keep up with a regular home maintenance checklist you’ll save money and enjoy a home that operates efficiently and smoothly.



Author

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Bruce Borden

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Bruce has been with M/I Homes for over 20 years, has been the National Customer Experience Manager for over 10 years, and has been in the home building industry for over 30 years. Happily married and a proud father, Bruce enjoys outdoor activities and home improvement projects, and has never met someone he didn't like.

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