Winter is here and it is time to batten down the hatches and keep everyone safe, comfortable, healthy and warm until the harsh Minnesota winter lets up. We all minimize our time outside in this frigid weather and opt for indoor activities. However, one thing that you want to keep in mind is healthy air quality during this time. Now that more homes than ever are more energy efficient, the air inside your home is trapped inside and being breathed in by each member of your family. You want to take a few easy steps to make sure that air is safe!
- Eliminate Pollutants In the Air: Many products we use in our home contain pollutants – paint, cleaning products, carpet and of course cigarettes, if you live with a smoker. So, spending time paying attention to what you purchase and bring into your home can go a long way toward decrease pollutants in the air in your home.
- Isolate the Pollutants: Experts agree that two of the most potentially harmful pollutants in your home are radon, which is naturally occurring in the ground, and exhaust from any gas burning appliances that you have in the home. Finding a way to isolate these pollutants and keep them from seeping into the air you breathe is important. To protect yourself from radon, you can hire a professional to put a layer of plastic on the bottom of your crawl space or basement floor. To protect against gases being emitted from your gas burning appliances, make sure that all of these appliances are properly ventilated.
- Ventilate: Fresh air from the outside is one of the best protectants against pollutants trapped in your home, but the cold weather makes it hard to naturally ventilate in the winter. You may want to consider a ventilation system if you determine your air quality is poor.
You Can Achieve Energy Efficiency AND Health Indoor Air Quality
Tollefson Bros. Exteriors understands that air quality is an issue to keep in mind, especially as our homes become more and more energy efficient. Our team of professionals can help you both find ways to increase your home’s efficiency (with replacement windows, insulation and exterior siding repair), and come up with strategies for proper ventilation, isolation and elimination of the pollutants, so that you are your family are safe. If you would like more information about our wide variety of services, give us a call today at 1-952-881-2218.