Page 4 - Summer2011

Summer Tips For a Healthy Home

1. Freshen the air by keeping windows open. Clean window screens to prevent dirty air from coming in through the open windows.

2. Place houseplants to help filter the air. Some of the best air-cleaning houseplants are snake plants, spider plants and small-leafed rubber plants.

3. Consider purchasing an air filter, which can help limit the presence of indoor air pollutants.

4. Keep house cool using the A/C, ceiling and floor fans, and keeping shades closed.

5. Tend to your refrigerator. Take care to clean your refrigerator’s condensing coils to keep it running smoothly all summer long.

6. Use a dehumidifier. Keeping humidity levels below 65% minimizes the risk of mold growth, and below 50% minimizes dust mites.

7. Ventilate your attic. Attics becomes especially hot in the summer, so it’s important to make sure it’s properly ventilated with at least 1 square foot of vent area for each 300 square feet of attic area.

8. Avoid using bug sprays in the house. Instead keep insects out by sealing cracks and holes around doors, window sills and baseboards. Also keep food stored away and kitchen and eating areas as clean as possible.

9. Before summer starts, make sure your air conditioner is in good condition. Get the system cleaned, check for any problems or potential problems and adjust system to help it operate at peak efficiency.