The key to a safe and healthy home environment is good home maintenance. It is less likely that a house will become unhealthy if it is in good condition. Keeping maintenance on your house will likely eliminate problems like mold, allergens, drafts, rodents that carry diseases, and insects. To make your home maintenance list to be effective, read more down below.
Observe Your Home
It is essential to observe the exterior and interior of your house as part of a maintenance plan. Learn how to recognize problems in your home and how to fix them to make necessary repairs. These are just nine things to pay attention to. Use all your senses to observe. Look for changes in texture and color. Look for items that are not level or plumb. Look for cracks, water, and insects.
You can see a lot with your eyes, but also pay attention to what you do with your feet: is the ground uneven or soft when you walk? Listen for squeaks and rattles. Feel for moisture in areas that are discolored. Look for musty smells.
Keep the Floors Vacuumed
You should vacuum carpets no less frequently than once a week. A vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter is the most efficient. Vacuuming helps remove dust and dirt, as well as pet hair and other debris. When vacuuming, don’t skip the backs of furniture and other items. To maintain cleanliness, you can remove your shoes before entering your home to reduce dirt and other contaminants. Footwear can pick up all substances, including soil, feces, and chemicals, that are brought into the house by your feet.
Check the Windows and Walls
Windows and walls can cause health problems if they are not appropriately maintained. Home maintenance checklists for both spring and fall should include a window and wall inspection. Repair or replace caulking around windows and doors to prevent moisture and drafts. If windows are cracked, they should be replaced or repaired. Inspect walls inside the home for termite infestations. Make sure screens are intact to keep out certain pests.
Keep Moisture Under Control
Mold growth in the home can lead to many health issues. Additionally, mold attracts rodents as well as insects. Leakage of pipes or sinks should be repaired as soon as possible to reduce these risks. For a lower humidity level while cooking or showering, use exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen. Open windows if exhaust fans aren’t available. Roof leakages should be fixed as soon as possible.
Keep Air Filters Clean
Air filtration is an overlooked aspect of home maintenance. Clogged or dirty air filters can cause damage to the air conditioning system or even a complete breakdown or fire in extreme situations. Filters in portable air filtration systems are also susceptible to getting dirty and clogged. Clean filters help keep your air clean. Fortunately, keeping air filters clean is as simple as taking them out and replacing or cleaning them.
It’s as simple as taking the filters out and shaking them. In other cases, you can wash or brush them. It would help to clean all types of outdoor air filters to prevent dirt and dust from circulating through the house. It would be nice if you only did it once a month.