Published December 30, 2020

Taking Out the Toxins: How to Make Your Home Healthier

Staff Writer

Content Specialist at Effective Agents

We spend a significant portion of our lives in our homes, and that means if they’re filled with toxins, it may affect our health. If you make an effort to have a healthier, fresher home and remove potential toxins, it may help improve your family’s health. The following are some ways to cut toxins out of your home and make a healthier space for everyone.

Clean Air

Indoor air can be anywhere from two to five times more polluted than the air we encounter outdoors, and since you may spend around 90% of your time indoors, this can be a serious problem. An air purification system can help clean your air and remove harmful substances. There are whole-house air purification systems or standalone units. Regardless of which option works for your needs and budget, HEPA filtration is largely agreed upon to be the most effective form of filtration to take allergens and small particles out of your air. In addition to a HEPA filter, you may also want a system with an activated carbon filter, because that’s what can help remove fumes and gases from your home’s air.

Water Purification

In-home water purification isn’t just healthy—it can save money on the cost of water bottles, and it can help the environment. Again, much like air purification, there are whole-home water purification systems, or you can choose something that goes under the sink, or even just a pitcher that will filter your water. Deciding comes down to your budget and what you prefer. To guide your decision, consider having your home’s water tested to see what it contains. For example, if you have an activated carbon filter, which is what’s in most under sink systems and pitcher filters, it can remove heavy metals, pesticides, and parasites. However, if you have other contaminants, you may need a different filtration system. Along with carbon filters, there are reverse osmosis systems and distillation.

Clean Your Air Conditioner and Dehumidifier

Sometimes, to have a healthier home, you don’t necessarily need to buy anything but instead, clean what you have. You should first consider using a dehumidifier to take moisture out of the air because it can encourage mold and mildew to grow, but beyond that, you need to make sure you clean it often. Clean your air conditioner too because it can contain allergy and asthma triggers. Regularly check for any leaks in your home, too, since they can be sources of moisture that then cause mold and other contaminants to thrive. If you have leaks, repair them quickly. Check around plumbing fixtures, look at windows for condensation and try and keep your bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans clean as well.

Should You Repaint?

If your home was built before 1978, it might contain lead paint. If this paint chips or peels, it may exposure people in your home to lead exposure. If you live in an older home and you are planning a remodeling project, have a professional company come and check for lead. Don’t try to remove lead paint yourself. If you repaint, look for paint that’s low in Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs. You can also eliminate other forms of VOCs from your home by choosing non-toxic cleaning products. Finally, there are small changes you can make around your house to reduce toxins and have a healthier environment. For example, think about using glass containers instead of plastic in the kitchen and make sure you keep dust at bay with regular cleaning. If you’re ready to start your real estate journey, contact EffectiveAgents.com today. Photo credit: collov-home-design-Z5071-fNXOI-unsplash

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