We are all familiar with the proverb, “Home is where the heart is.” Our home is our escape and our safe space. It is our shelter and warmth. And while it’s easy to see where we can make our living spaces more comfortable and beautiful for ourselves – painting the exterior, redecorating a bathroom, installing new cabinetry – we must remember to maintain the health of our homes, too.

Our bodies are sustained with healthy food, exercise and self-care. Our cars are taken in regularly for oil changes and tire rotations. We make sure our kids take their vitamins and our pets get their teeth cleaned. However, can you remember the last time you had your home checked for asbestos?

This and other preventive measures are often overlooked, potentially impacting the health and safety of our families. Fortunately, it is easy to address indicators of an unhealthy home by taking a few steps to alleviate possible risks. Here are five potential dangers that may be present in your home and corresponding ways to fix these issues:

Dirty air ducts

Dirty ducts occur from a build up of pollen, dust, pet dander, and other allergens. When left untreated, the accumulated allergens are blown out through the air conditioning or furnace, often leading to respiratory problems. They can also restrict your heating and cooling systems, leading to increased energy costs. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) recommends having your ductwork inspected and cleaned every three to five years.

Excessive indoor moisture

Uncontrolled humidity levels can result in significant mold problems. Not only can this negatively impact your respiratory system in several ways, it can also cause skin irritations. To minimize the humidity, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) encourages checking your levels frequently to ensure they do not go above 50%. The CDC provides a comprehensive FAQ section with additional solutions to reduce mold exposure.

Radon

Professionals suggest you test your house for radon at least twice a year. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. No houses are immune from the risk of radon. You can easily purchase radon test kits online or in home improvement stores. Further information can be found on the EPA website.

Plumbing leaks

Over a trillion gallons of water are wasted annually in the US as a result of household leaks. Whether or not your water bill has increased, it is recommended you check your water meter every few months to make sure nothing is out of order. If you do not know how to do so, there are countless resources online that will walk you through the procedure. Untreated leaks can lead to mold spores that cause an array of health problems. Additionally, continue to flush sediment from your water heater and water softener to keep both in working condition.

Pest infestation

If you see an increase in dead bugs in your home, or pest droppings, it is best to address the problem immediately. Not only can pests cause electrical issues, but their presence can also potentially cause asthma, West Nile, and hantavirus. At the first sign of infestation, go to your local grocery or hardware store to find pest control products that will easily solve your problem.

Remember, home maintenance is not just a one-and-done task. Routine maintenance is key to a healthy home. This can be burden to some homeowners who are already swamped with other to-do’s. If that’s the case, consider enrolling in a home protection plan that will streamline maintenance for you. In the event health hazards do exist inside the home, these issues can be repaired or replaced by a licensed professional while you get on with your life.

Keeping your yourself and your family healthy is important. Precaution is the best way to avoid costly problems resulting from poor home maintenance. Be alert, be safe, and be vigilant. You and your home deserve it.

Guest Contributer: Paige A. Mitchell. Paige is a freelance writer and reviewer.

Photo Credit: Unsplash