A Healthy Winter Home

If one of your goals is to be healthier in the new year, then we suggest that you also consider the health of your home.

During the winter months, we seal up our homes to protect from the bitter southwestern Ontario cold, and this process can impact the health of our families.

Here are a few ideas to help you have a healthy winter home:

-        The most important thing you can do for your family’s health this winter is have your home tested for Radon Gas. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and exists naturally throughout southwestern Ontario. Please check out this article for more information, and reach out to us for testing, as Advanced Basement Systems is a certified and full-service Radon mitigation contractor.

-        Ensure that your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working and are within the recommended replacement dates.

-        Have your heating system serviced for optimal functioning. Replace the filter according to manufacturer’s instructions and clean your home’s air ducts every 5 to 10 years.

-        Ensure that your home has an appropriate humidity level for the health and comfort of your home and family. (Include link to 2018 ABS Article 1) High or low humidity can severely impact the health of your family and your home!

-        Don’t be afraid to let a little fresh air into your home. When a door is opened for a few minutes, you will feel heat rush out – but also rushing out are pollutants, dust and allergens, and this will not seriously impact your heating costs.  

-        Clean your home more often in the winter to help reduce dust, dust mites, allergens, dander, etc. Vacuum and sweep every few days, wash bedding and all those cosy couch blankets once a week.

-        Don’t forget about your pets! Bathe them regularly to help keep their dander low, and add some healthy, animal-friendly oils to their diet to keep their skin hydrated.

-        Hold off any redecorating in your home until the spring months. Paint, new upholstery or flooring can introduce toxins into your home which will be trapped indoors during the cold winter months.

-        Take a few minutes to examine your basement for evidence of water damage which may be contributing to an unhealthy home environment. Check that your sump pump lid is sealed and secure, so the stagnant water is not affecting the health of your home.

Making healthy changes such as eating better and exercising are important to living a long and happy life, but having a healthy living environment is equally important. Please share this article with the important people in your life!