Tips for a Healthier Home

Simple Habits that Can Make a Big Difference

Your home should be a safe and healthy space for you and your family. While it’s easy to focus on design, comfort, or efficiency, health is just as important, especially when it comes to the air you breathe and the surfaces you touch every day. Fortunately, creating a healthier home doesn’t have to be complicated. A few small changes can make a big impact.

Here are three key tips to help you maintain a healthier home:

1. Keep It Dry

   Moisture is one of the biggest threats to your home, and your health. Damp environments are a breeding ground for mold, pests, and dust mites, which can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues. Excess moisture can also damage building materials like wood, drywall, and insulation, leading to costly repairs down the line.

   
   

   What you can do:

   • Control water and moisture at its source.

   • Fix leaks right away, whether from the roof, plumbing, or windows.

   • Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.

   • Make sure your home’s exterior drainage directs water away from the foundation.

2. Keep It Well Ventilated

   Fresh air plays a major role in a healthy home. Without proper ventilation, indoor air pollutants, like cleaning chemicals, off-gassing from furniture, and even carbon dioxide, can build up over time. Poor air quality is linked to everything from headaches to long-term respiratory issues.

   
   

   What you can do:

   • Open windows regularly to allow fresh air to circulate.

   • Use mechanical ventilation, like bathroom fans.

   • Ensure vents and air returns are not blocked by furniture or curtains.

   • Change HVAC filters regularly to improve indoor air quality.

     
     

3. Keep It Clean

   The bottom of your shoes might be the dirtiest part of your wardrobe. As you walk through parking lots, parks, and sidewalks, your shoes pick up dirt, fertilizers, chemicals, and allergens. Wearing shoes indoors can carry those particles throughout your home, impacting the cleanliness of your floors and even the air.

   
   

   What you can do:

   • Get in the habit of removing shoes at the front door.

   • Keep a mat and a shoe rack or basket by the entrance to make it easy.

   • Encourage guests to do the same.

By focusing on keeping your home dry, ventilated, and clean, you’re not just maintaining your property; you’re investing in your health and comfort. These simple, proactive habits can reduce indoor allergens, prevent damage, and promote better breathing for everyone under your roof.

Want to take the next step toward a healthier home? Browse our directory of Healthy Home Certified Contractors to find trusted professionals who will prioritize your well-being.