Fall Tips for a Healthy Winter Home in Dutchess County

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

Think about the indoor air quality of your home before winter strikes!

Fall is finally in full swing in Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, Beacon and Wappingers!  Indoor air quality will become a focus as it’s driven by having to be in closed up environments in the winter months.

Here are some things to consider before we're all hunkered down in the freezing temps waiting to be able to open the windows again-

Questions:

-Does your kitchen, bathroom and laundry room have adequate ventilation and exhaust fans?

-Do you change your air filters once a month?

-When cleaning or doing laundry, do you use bleach, ammonia or aerosol spray cans?

-Is your gas fireplace/gas stove checked yearly for emissions? Has the chimney been cleaned?

-Do you smoke in your house?

Answers:

-Consider hiring a professional to install exhaust fans if you need them. Mold loves moisture and humidity.

**Have your air ducts and dryer vents cleaned yearly. This can eliminate contaminants like mold and irritants. The dryer vents should be cleaned yearly for performance and fire safety. **

-Have your fireplace inspected and cleaned as needed.

-Store flammable and dangerous cleaning products away from fire or closed in spaces.

-Don’t smoke inside the house, keep it outside at a distance from the home to avoid a fire and preferably near a water source.

Causes of Indoor Air Pollution:

-Asbestos building products (Usually found in very old buildings and when dislodged, no longer intact)

-Biological contaminants such as mold, dust mites, viruses and pet dander.

-Carbon Monoxide

-Formaldehyde found in pressure treated wood.

-Lead in pre-1978 house paint.

-Nitrogen dioxide

-Particulates found in dust, pollen, cleaning sprays and poorly ventilated areas.

-Tobacco smoke

-Volatile organic compounds including household cleaning products, pesticides and aerosol propellants.

**SERVPRO of Western Dutchess County uses a proven Portable Ventilate and Duct Cleaning System to examine duct work and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.

Call us today to schedule your duct cleaning and to learn more about how we can help you get your home ready for winter, 845-831-3600.