Homes are meant to provide comfort and safety for you and those you love but there are some common issues homeowners frequently experience during winter months.  Outlined below are tips on how you can make sure your home is contributing to your family’s health and well-being. 

1. Humidity

Humidity levels not only contribute to your home’s longevity, but also to your family’s respiratory health. It is important to understand the optimal humidity level for your house so your family is safe and healthy.

 Outdoor humidity levels can vary depending on the season and indicate the amount of moisture present in the air. In New England, humidity levels are typically most concerning in summer and winter. In the summer, humidity is typically high and allows for the growth of mold and fungus. This is why seasonal allergies flare during summer months. In the winter, humidity is often severely low. A lack of moisture in the air causes nasal passages and throats to become dry, allowing viruses and bacteria to enter our body more easily. This is why common colds and illnesses are often worse in winter.

Humidity affects the structural well-being of a home, as well. When humidity is too low, wood furniture becomes dry, creaky, and damaged. Static electricity becomes more prevalent, too. When humidity is too high, wood begins rotting causing poor ventilation and there are more opportunities for mold growth.

With the implications of humidity it’s important to know the optimal level for your home. According to the Mayo Clinic, humidity levels in your home should be between 30% and 50%. 

Regulating humidity is easy with a dehumidifier. In our post written in August, we outline common symptoms for a house with too much humidity. 

2. Air Quality

In October, we shared a blog about how you can filter COVID-19 out of your home using an air purifier . As COVID-19 cases continue spiking and alarming details of a new strain make headlines, clean air continues to be a priority. The air in your home should promote your health, not compromise it.

DIY air quality kits are one of the most effective ways to learn about your home’s air quality. During winter, fireplaces are used more and can create dust. Purchasing kits will help you understand more about your home and what measures may need to be implemented. Check out our blog on Affordable Indoor Air Quality Tests to learn more about air quality kits.

3. Drafts

With the amount of money allocated toward energy bills each year, conserving where you can save is important. Drafts in the home can lead to exceptionally high energy bills, especially in winter months. To make sure your home is as efficient as possible, check for drafts and install sealant where necessary. Shutting the flue of your fireplace when the fireplace is no longer in use and all embers are out will keep cool air out. Keeping windows and doors locked will insulate the heat of your home and keep the outside cool air out.

Humidity concerns, poor air quality, and drafts are three factors that contribute to health risks and financial burdens. Making it a point to regulate the humidity of your home, purify the air you breathe, and eliminate the drafts in your home will make sure your home continues to be the safe and comfortable place you and your family deserve.

Plus, you’re always welcome to contact the trusted heating, cooling, and air quality experts at Total Temperature Control.

Whether you need 24-7 emergency service or a solution to improve your indoor comfort—at home and at work—call us at 781-224-2400 or submit a convenient contact form.

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