4 Home Maintenance Tasks that Protect Your Health
Buying or constructing a home is a large investment. However, home maintenance over the years is the biggest challenge. Some homes can pose a health hazard due to years of negligence. Discover four key maintenance tasks that you should prioritize to protect the health of those living in your home.
Inspect and Repair Your Gutters
Ensure that your gutters are maintained and clear to avoid leaks and overflows. Proper drainage prevents rainwater from seeping into your basement or foundation. Leaks can cause biological growth, which may expose your family to respiratory illnesses such as coughs, allergies, runny noses, asthma, and sinus conditions.
Any accumulated dirt and leaves in gutters may also create health risks when they harbor rodents. Some rodents are disease and virus carriers. As a precaution, add extensions to your gutters to make sure that they direct water at least 6 feet away from your house. Always inspect your gutters regularly to identify leaks and cracks for repair before they worsen.
Have Your Water Heater Professionally Cleaned
Your water heater system can harbor deadly Legionella bacteria, especially when the heater holds warm stagnant water for extended periods. Additionally, sediment such as iron, calcium, and sand can collect at the bottom of the unit, making the heater discolor and rust. The rust also exposes family members in your home to health risks.
To ensure your home’s water heater is operating properly, contact a plumbing professional for assistance with the maintenance and cleaning of your water heater.
Clean Your Refrigerator Coils
Many people will engage appliance repair technicians only when their refrigerators have cooling issues. However, if you clean and maintain your refrigerator on a regular basis, you can remove the dirt and dust that the coils accumulate. Consequently, your refrigerator’s efficiency can improve. Such a simple task can help eliminate grime and dust that may expose your family members to respiratory issues. Use a vacuum cleaner or a flexible hose to clean the coils once or twice every year.
Additionally, malfunctioning coils, hidden beneath the dirt, can leak and expose you to the refrigerant. Freon refrigerant gas, when inhaled, may deplete your lungs and body cells of oxygen, which can lead to suffocation. If you believe your refrigerator is not functioning correctly, contact refrigerator repair services in Toronto.
Replace Your HVAC System’s Air Filters
Have your HVAC system serviced to maintain good indoor air quality. The most cost-effective HVAC maintenance task involves changing air filters regularly. Air filters block dust, dirt, and allergens, which can cause a myriad of respiratory, nasal, and skin infections. In addition, when you replace the air filters, your HVAC unit can operate without strain. The number of people in your household and the external environmental conditions should determine the frequency of replacing these air filters.
Home maintenance is not only beneficial to your home, but it’s also beneficial to your health and the health of your family members. Regularly maintained homes and home appliances will minimize costly issues that often arise due to damages and operating stress. You can manage simple tasks such as changing HVAC system filters, cleaning refrigerator coils, and clearing and repairing gutters. Always consult a service professional before attempting complex repairs on your home’s appliances.
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