A clean and fresh living environment is a critical component of a well-rounded life. Conversely, a dirty, dusty, and damp home can be detrimental to your health. The following 5 things at home could be triggering allergies, irritations, and respiratory issues. Crystal Cleaning addresses the 5 signs your house is making you sick, so you don’t end up feeling unhappy in your sanctuary. We then explain how to fix it or prevent water damage in your Tampa Bay home.
1. High humidity
A home with elevated humidity (anything above 60%) can become a breeding ground for mold. If the humidity level gets high enough, it can affect the drywall and create an environment where mold spreads behind walls. We now know that specific mold causes many health issues, from chronic sinusitis to nervous system damage. High humidity also welcomes dust mites, which can cause allergic reactions, stomach issues, and sleep disorders. Keep in mind that you don’t want your humidity to be too low (below 40%) since not enough moisture can lead to respiratory irritation.
How to Balance Humidity Levels
Purchase a humidity monitor and aim to keep the levels between 40% and 60%. Also, be sure you run fan vents when you’re showering or cooking. Finally, be sure to open the windows whenever you can to increase ventilation. If necessary, purchase a dehumidifier.
2. Dust Everywhere
Not only is dust a nuisance, but it also carries irritating dust mites that can disrupt our nasal passages and eyes. In addition, studies show that dust mites put stress on our immune system, weakening it over time. Dust also attracts dirt and particles from outside, containing pesticides and herbicides potentially toxic to the nervous system.
How to Minimize Dust
Vacuum often, and make sure your vacuum has a clear filter, such as a HEPA filter in your HVAC system to minimize the spread of dust. Don’t wear shoes in the house, and wipe off paws before animals enter. Also, wash bedding, drapes, and stuffed animals often.
3. Water Damage
People experience water damage at home at one point or another—whether it be from a leaky window or a basement flood. Any of these forms of water damage can significantly reduce the health of your home and should be taken care of by a professional. In addition, if you spot water damage or an ongoing leak, it’s essential to clean it up properly to attract mold.
Tell-tale Signs of Water Damage
- Cracked, peeling paint on walls or ceilings
- Soft or warped walls or ceilings
- Trim that is not flush with the walls or floor
- Warped or buckling floorboards or flooring
- White mineral deposits of wood or basement floors
4. Tight Sealing
The energy-efficiency movement is in full swing, which means many houses seal ultra-tight to prevent any outdoor air from reaching the inside. While this is great for energy bills, it’s a potential health problem. Remember: Indoor air is often dirtier than outdoor air!
How to Reverse the Effects of a Tightly Sealed Home
Only use natural ventilation by opening windows and doors when possible. If you want to install mechanical ventilation, do so by adding an air-to-air heat exchange. In addition, utilize fan vents that pull air outside when bathing and cooking.
5. Moisture Intrusion
Moisture intrusion occurs when water comes into your house (whether from the inside or outside) or from condensation. For example, water coming in from outside can cause water damage behind walls and in ceilings. And we now know that water, even in small amounts, causes mold problems. Water can also show up from indoor plumbing leaks.
Though condensation may sound harmless, it can put your home at an even higher risk for mold growth. Often seen on windows when the outdoor air is cooler and drier than the indoor air, condensation can eventually drip down into the inside of walls, causing mold to form.
How to Prevent Moisture Intrusion
Check the outside of your house for holes, gaps, leaks, and gutters to divert rainwater away from home. Also, keep tabs on plumbing fixtures and drains, watching for any sign of a drip, and monitor indoor humidity levels to reduce the risk of condensation.
Contact Us
Hire a cleaning company that not only cleans to perfection but informs its customers about any potential issues in their Florida home. Call today for a FREE estimate: 727-313-4560.
