In order to maintain safe and healthy environment in your home, you should do healthy maintenance on it on a regular basis. Unhealthy environment in the house may result in poor air quality, drafts, rodents, or insects. Even though this may sound like a lot to do, your home maintenance checklist does not have to be overwhelming.

Where to Check for Problems?

Learn as best as you can about your home. By observing the different areas of your home, you will be able to find and identify problems and fix them before they cause trouble. These areas include sliding at deck connections, lower levels, windows and doors, and around chimney, erosion around steps or foundation, high-stress doors and windows, caps, and sills, water that runs towards the house or collects by it, paint which is peeling or discolored, cracks in walls, sweating ductwork, soft or unstable floors near exterior doors, and mildewed or discolored wood. Be observant about your home and look for any changes in color or texture, cracks, bugs, ants, water, noises, dampness, or odors.

Control Dust

Dust can become a health hazard if not taken care of. It contains the feces and skeletons of dust mites, which can aggravate asthma and cause allergies. Moreover, dust can carry chemicals from items in the home. Using a dampened cloth to remove dust and routinely washing throw rugs is a good way to control dust in your home.

Vacuum the Floors

Vacuum the carpets at least twice a week. For the best results, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. Vacuuming the floors regularly will prevent dust and remove dirt, pet dander, fur, and other contaminants. In order not to bring dirt into the house, take your shoes off before entering your home, because they can have the dust and chemicals from the outside.

Check Walls and Windows

Put inspection and repairs of windows and walls on your spring and fall maintenance checklist. Replacement or repairs of caulking around the doors and windows will help to prevent excess moisture and drafts in your home. Cracked windows should be repaired or replaced. Inspect the screens to make sure the pests are being kept out and check the walls inside the home for any signs of termites.

Check the Exterior

Besides inspecting and repairing the interior parts of your home, make sure to check the exterior, too. Look for visible signs of wear and tear in order to make timely repairs. Check for damage and decay in the trimming around windows and doors. If you see any trim or sliding become loose or if the paint began to peel, make repairs as needed.

Control Moisture

Moisture in your home can result in mold and cause a number of health problems. Moreover, it can attract insects and rodents. In order to avoid this, make sure that leaky pipes and sinks are timely replaced. Install exhaust fans or keep the windows open in the bathroom and in the kitchen to prevent excess moisture when cooking or showering. Leaks in the roofs should also be replaced as quickly as possible.

Clean Air Filters

Air filtration system in the house is an often overlooked aspect in home maintenance, including the filters in portable air filtration systems. If the air filters are clogged or dirty, they can cause damage to the air conditioning systems, or result in fire or breakdown in extreme cases. Maintenance on air filters is easy, and all you need is to replace or clean them. Do this once a month to keep the pollution out of air.

Maintain Cooling and Heating Systems

Climate control systems should be taken care of in order to avoid pollution in your home. Cleaning the vents on a regular basis and replacing filters has to be on your home maintenance checklist, because it will keep the air clean as well as prevent breakdowns or performance losses.