All homes have their problems. A squeaking door hinge is one thing, but there are other issues you shouldn’t let linger too long. The health of you and your family might depend on it. Here, we’re going to look at the hidden health risks of some common home issues that should get you finding a solution as soon as possible.
That darned draft
Feeling a cool draft in the home, most often caused by an air leak and particularly common in older homes, isn’t just uncomfortable. It can be a huge strain on your energy bills, making it harder to control the temperature in the home. That’s a health risk in and of itself. However, air leaks can give moisture a way into the home, causing the growth of mold and damp. These problems can fill the air in the home with allergens which can cause respiratory issues like asthma in children or make those conditions harder for those that already have them.
A clog in the system
Too many people let a clogged pipe bother their home for too long, believing that if it fixes itself eventually, it’s not a problem. Clogs can get worse over time, however. In the worst cases, this can lead to a sewage backup. Not only is the smell terrible, it can be potentially fatal. Sewage gas often contains noxious compounds like carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen sulfide. It also contains dangerous pathogens that can cause all kinds of illnesses like salmonella and hepatitis. If you have reason to believe there’s a sewage backup in your pipes, you need to get it fixed immediately.
The hazards of heating
Carbon monoxide is amongst some of the most common dangerous household gas leaks. Besides sewage and cooking appliances, your heating systems might be the source of this dangerous gas if they aren’t properly maintained. Oil furnaces, gas boilers, and oil boilers can all result in such a leak if they have cracks in the combustion chamber, leaking seams, exhaust pipe leaks, or other issues. Ensure that the carbon monoxide detector is working in your home by holding down the button and waiting for two beeps. These detectors need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years, so you need to test them annually.
Venting about vents
Keeping it in the HVAC family, it’s worth taking a closer look at the ventilation and the AC of the home, as well. Cleaning your air ducts is essential, as they can host to pests, such as rodents and insect, as well as mold growth. All of these issues can fill the air with allergens, much like a draft. Rodents, in particular, can spread all kinds of diseases in their droppings. AC vents should be checked for moisture buildup, too, which can harbor some nasty microbes that cause illness.
To keep it safe, whenever you notice a new problem in the home, it’s best to do a little research on it through the internet. You never know what risks might be lurking behind a seemingly innocuous hiccup in your home life.
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