As a homeowner, you work to take care of your family and your property. Here are some helpful tips to maintain a safe and healthy home.

Test for Radon to Maintain a Safe and Healthy Home

Radon is a gas that forms underground when uranium and other radioactive materials break down in the soil. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States.

Test your home for radon to see if the air you’re breathing is safe and healthy. If high levels of the gas are found in your home, hire a professional to install a radon mitigation system.

Keep a Clean Home

One of the most important things you can do for a healthy home is to keep it clean. Develop a weekly schedule for cleaning and disinfecting floors, countertops, and bathrooms. Vacuum carpets and rugs at least twice weekly, using a vacuum with a HEPA filter for best results.

Use Doormats

Add doormats both inside and outside your exterior doors. Irritants and contaminants are often tracked inside on the soles of your shoes or on your pet’s feet.

A doormat will help trap dirt, dust, lawn chemicals, and other allergens before they are spread throughout the home. Choose doormats that are easy to clean and do so regularly. Some can even be washed off with a garden hose.

Smoke Detectors are Essential for a Safe and Healthy Home

Smoke detectors save lives by providing an early warning in the event of a house fire. Every bedroom in your home should have a working smoke detector and there should also be a device in the hallway outside the bedrooms. The kitchen, garage, basement, and laundry room are other important areas to install smoke detectors.

Check Handrails

Sturdy, well-secured handrails are important to help family members navigate the steps. Test the handrails in your home to make sure they are tightly fastened to the wall.

A Water Purifier Helps Keep Your Home Healthy and Safe

Chlorine is the most common chemical filtered from drinking water. Depending on where you live, your tap water might contain a number of contaminants.

To determine what type of water filter is best for your home, request a water quality report from your local utility. The report will detail the contaminants that are often found in your water so that you can shop for a filter specific to your household’s needs.

Install a Home Security System

A monitored home security system is a great way to keep your home safe. With modern smart security systems, you can monitor your home via a phone app even when you’re away from home.

Other options for home security include smart door locks that can be locked or unlocked with your cell phone or a keypad, and lighting that can be controlled from an app on your mobile device.

District Home Inspection serves Washington D.C., offering home inspection services, including radon testing. Contact us to schedule an appointment.