7 At-Home Tips to Keep You and Your Family Healthier

via Bryce Wylde

Home Health

When it comes to your overall health, there’s more to keep in mind than just exercising and eating well. We should all pay close attention to the health of our home – from the air we breathe to the water we drink.

Pollution is not only found outdoors; pollution sources like urban pollutants, particulate matter and pollen can enter the home, combined with cleaning products, pet dander, scented candles, indoor paints and cooking fumes making for poor indoor air quality. 

With all of this in mind, I’ve partnered with Enercare to help families ensure their home is healthy and safe.

A recent Healthy Home survey carried out by Ipsos Reid surveyed 800 homeowners aged 27-54 living in Ontario to see how much they knew about their home air and water quality.

What it found will shock you. 41% of Ontarians have never had their air ducts cleaned.  Even more surprising, the survey showed 28% don’t even know where the air ducts in their home are located!  Furthermore, 27% of people have never tested the quality of their home’s tap water, and 48% don’t do anything to purify their tap water. This isn’t good news. 

Here are seven at-home tips to keep you and your family healthier.

1. Invest in a Reverse Osmosis drinking water system

Purified Water

 

Municipal water is very probably clean but that doesn’t mean it is “pure”. A reverse osmosis filtration system removes contaminants like TDS (total dissolved solids), lead arsenic, heavy metals, silt, dirt and volatile chemicals and chloramines from water not to mention pharmaceutical waste byproducts from prescription medication we pee out into our waterways! RO water is “pure” because it is passed through an ultra-fine membrane under pressure, clearing all of the above as well inorganic contaminants, most viruses (as small as 0.001 microns), and even some radioactive materials.

Bonus: an R/O system saves on buying expensive bottled water and reduces plastic bottle waste which is incredibly damaging to the environment and your health. 

2. Clean your air ducts

Cleaning your air ducts routinely (every few years) reduces harmful allergens and lowers your heating and cooling costs. Clean air ducts can help to reduce maintenance costs, potentially increase the lifespan of your air conditioning unit, and you won’t have to dust as often. Be sure the duct cleaning is performed by a professional. 

3. Change your filters

This is so easy, super affordable, and very effective. Dirty and clogged filters can mean your furnace has to work harder, so be sure to clean or replace them regularly to allow your HVAC system to run more efficiently. 

4. Test carbon monoxide alarms 

Carbon Monoxide Detector

 

Do this at least once a month and replace the CO detector according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Batteries should be replaced at least every six months also! 

5. Test for Radon Gas 

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium. Believe it or not, Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Usually found in bedrock and soil, it can slowly seep up and get trapped in a poorly ventilated basement. The solution is testing for it and improving air circulation if necessary. 

6. Humidification

Dry air can cause damage to your home and health. Bacteria and mold LOVE warm, moist, humid environments. Investing in a whole-house bypass humidifier will help monitor and control your home’s relative humidity. 

7. Invest in a smart thermostat

Better night's sleep

 

Did you know that cooler temperatures promote healthier sleep? Homeowners should consider investing in a smart thermostat to enhance the overall comfort in your home, plus it saves you money too. Smart thermostats can be used to raise the temperature during the day and be programmed to start to cool the house down shortly before the family begins arriving home.

For more information, please visit www.enercare.ca 

Join our mailing list

Sign up for occasional newsletters from Bryce Wylde