How Healthy Is Your Home?
Your home, as the old saying goes, is your castle. But is it one that your family is safe in? Is it a place where you all can live healthy lives, or is it one that looks good, but has hidden demons lurking – demons that can affect the good health of those who live there? We tend to take a clean home to be a healthy one. While cleanliness is a major factor in maintaining a healthy environment, it is not the only factor. Here, in brief, are the other aspects of a truly healthy home.
The 10 Healthy Home Commandments
- Let us start with the basics: Keep it clean. When a home is clean, it is easier to spot the problems that could make it unhealthy.
- Be careful about the cleaning agents you use. Many cleaning soaps, sprays, aerosols, etc., contain toxic chemicals. While these may be in insignificant amounts, if not removed after each use, the toxic residue builds up over time.
- Keep the home dry. Dampness nurtures pest and insect infestations, as well as mold and mildew, all of which contribute to an unhealthy environment.
- Ensure that the whole house is well-ventilated. Studies show that the more fresh air that enters a house, the healthier it is.
- Keep it safe. The range and seriousness of injuries that can occur in a home surprise most people. From falls to object-related injuries and poisonings, the risks are real and easy to overlook.
Also Read: Staycation Ready – How to Prep Your Home for the Perfect At-Home Vacation
- Modify for safety. Install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, use secure rugs, and install grab bars in bathrooms and other places where they may be required. Create safe storage areas for chemicals and hazardous objects.
- Beware of contamination. Chemical exposures such as pesticides, volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), tobacco and smoke, and industrial pollutants that bring lead, radon, and more into the home are an ever-present danger.
- Never neglect maintenance. Small problems that appear to be easy to ignore or postpone can snowball into major problems in a very short time, and these could put the health of those in the home at risk.
- Use climate control wisely. Never overcool or overheat the interior of the house. This will not only subject the occupants to unhealthy temperature shocks when they go in and out, but prolonged exposure to high or low indoor temperatures is also bad for their health.
- Bring in as much natural light as possible. Sunlight is both good for health and is a natural disinfectant that will make the home healthier. Installing tubular skylights is a great way to do this.
Ensuring that a home is as healthy as possible is not difficult. Maintaining a checklist of the key issues you need to keep an eye on will help you prevent the development of unhealthy conditions in the home. A healthy home is also an economical one, as a healthy environment reduces the possibility of illnesses and hospitalizations. Proper ventilation can bring down the amount of cooling that is required in warm weather, and also reduce the risk of moisture-related structural damage when it’s cold and/or raining or snowing.
If you are wondering how to reduce home cooling costs with smart ventilation, check out Sunlight Concepts. Being the premier dealer for Solatube, the world leader in daylighting and ventilation solutions, this is where you will find ventilation and solar home solutions for a sustainable lifestyle in Santa Clara. Proper ventilation and sunlight will solve many of the health risks that are present in most homes.
Ask for the free consultation, which will help you find the daylighting and ventilation solutions that are right for your home. You can get all your questions on the products and applications answered so that you have all the information you need to make informed purchase decisions that will help make your home a healthier place.
Do not postpone checking out your options – the 30% federal tax credit on these products is ending soon.
Healthy Living at Home: Answers to Common Questions
How can smart ventilation reduce home cooling costs?
Smart ventilation improves airflow, lowers humidity, and reduces reliance on air conditioning helping save energy while keeping the home comfortable.
What are the benefits of solar home solutions in Santa Clara?
Solar home solutions reduce energy bills, support a sustainable lifestyle, improve indoor air quality, and may qualify for federal tax credits.
Is natural light important for a healthy home?
Yes, natural light boosts mood, prevents mold, and acts as a natural disinfectant. Skylights like Solatube help maximize daylight indoors.
What steps can I take to make my home healthier?
Improve ventilation, avoid harsh cleaning products, control dampness, install safety detectors, and increase natural light exposure.
Are solar ventilation systems eligible for tax credits?
Yes, many solar ventilation and daylighting systems qualify for federal tax credits, though availability depends on current incentives.
Where can I get sustainable home ventilation solutions in Santa Clara?
Sunlight Concepts offers customized daylighting and ventilation systems, along with free consultations to create a healthier, more efficient home.