As a homeowner, you want to keep your systems running at their best while also maintaining the health of your family. If you have dated appliances or worn-out units, you may be driving up your energy bills while putting your family at risk.
Follow this guide to improve the health of your home, from the hot water streaming out of your faucets to the energy star rating on your dishwasher.
1. Improve your indoor air quality.
While you might keep an eye on the air quality of your city or region, few people realize their home has different indoor air quality levels. The air pollution in your area can seep inside when you open the door, while other allergens and pollutants can enter your home on your clothes or pets. This lower air quality can worsen your breathing ability and trigger asthma attacks.
When you aim for excellent air quality by investing in HVAC filters and cleaners, you can protect yourself and your family from dirty air and allergens. Not only will you reduce air pollution brought in from outside, but also indoor allergens like dust, dander, and smoke from cooking. You deserve to update your air quality so you can breathe freely indoors.
2. Invest in a tankless water heater.
Like its name sounds, a tankless water heater doesn’t rely on a large storage tank to keep water hot. Instead, tankless water heaters run water over a series of hot coils to warm it before pushing the stream through your faucet. This is a more energy-efficient system as you won’t constantly heat gallons of water during the day when you don’t need it. You can enjoy hot water on demand without the risks of keeping a tank in your home.
Investing in a tankless unit can lower your energy bills and create a safer space for your family. You won’t have to worry about water leaks from the tank or potential mold growth from condensing water.
3. Look for Energy Star appliances.
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates dishwashers, HVAC systems, sinks, and other key units in your home based on their energy efficiency. Each item has its own criteria, from the flow rate of a faucet to the standby heat loss of a water heater. Improving the energy efficiency of your systems can lower your energy bills and fight climate change.
If you live in the U.S., check the Energy Star ratings of items in your home. It’s a good idea to upgrade old items as a way to cut energy costs in the future, however, if your appliances are currently running well, you might not need to replace them for a few years yet.
4. Eliminate strange odors.
Almost every homeowner comes across unknown odors from time to time. A banana might rot in a fruit bowl before you catch it or a pair of dirty socks might fall under the bed. However, some bad smells may be signs of bigger issues. You may have mold growing in damp areas or even a propane leak near your gas unit.
As soon as you notice a bad smell in your house, address the issue. In some cases, this is as easy as taking out the trash. However, you may have a bigger issue if there is mold in your walls or a leak in your pipes. Removing the odor-causing items and making repairs to leaking systems can protect your family and keep your space smelling good.
5. Consider tapping into renewable energy.
If you are concerned about climate change and public health in your area, then talk to your neighbors about your renewable energy options. You may be able to install solar panels in your home that can lead to energy savings and less dependence on coal and natural gas.
Most people in the United States get their energy from fossil fuels. You can be a responsible homeowner and take steps to stop this trend.
There are many ways to keep your home healthy for your whole family, from improving your air quality to choosing a tankless unit for your hot water. Try out a few of these ideas and see if your kids are healthier and happier because of them.
