http://www.care2.com/greenliving/cleaner-air-autumn-to-do-list.html
Autumn To Do List: 10 Things for Cleaner Indoor Air
By Annie B. Bond
It’s that time again–windows close with a thump, the furnace clicks on, and next thing you know, you’re living in a hotbed of pollution that could rival the smog in L.A.
Here are 10 easy, simple things you can do to keep the air quality pure and safe in your house this autumn.
1. Empty your refrigerator tray. It can start looking pretty swampy in there, and the ‘fridge fan blows that moldy yucky air right into your home.
2. Dust your heaters. When the heat comes on, it isn’t good to smell fried dust.
3. Check for foreign objects in your heating elements. Anyone with small children knows that plastic objects can find their way into the heating units and next thing you know, everyone is sniffing and wondering, “Why does it smell like burning plastic in here?” Toxic!
4. Clean your oil burner. A dirty furnace doesn’t function as well and can emit more harmful carbon monoxide and other undesirable compounds.
5. Clean chimneys. Prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide buildup in your home.
6. Devise a compost system. When the windows stay closed, molds in the air from fermenting compost can become a problem. Be sure to empty your kitchen compost every day.
7. Be alert to outgassing. New products and activities like painting will have more of an effect on your indoor air quality now that the windows are closed. You may want to air new carpets or upholstered furniture before putting them in your house. If you’re painting, be sure to provide plenty of ventilation, and choose non-toxic paints.
8. Steam-clean your carpets. Get rid of dust, dust-mites and other noxious things so you won’t be inhaling them with every step you take.
9. Choose your candles wisely. Petroleum-based and lead-wick candles contribute significantly to dangerous levels of indoor air pollution. Buy (or make) candles made from beeswax, soy, or vegetable oils, lead-free wicks, and pure essential-oil fragrances.
10. NO kerosene space heaters, ever! They are lethal. If you need extra heat in a room, consider one of the free-standing electric heaters filled with oil that radiate clean heat.
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26 comments
add your comment »Great tips thank you! And thanks to Michael W. for the fire safety reminder, it is always tempting to move those heaters closer to the bed on those chilly winter nights.
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Thank you Annie for the suggestions. I will definately get to work to make better air in my home.
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we rent and landlord won't let us use the chimney out of date..He won't fix..We layed cermanic tiles on ground and back and have a few white canldes with glass beads for look..
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Thanks , we do have an air cleaner installed , burn clean dry wood or use the furnace [gas] .
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Wow, in honesty, I hardly have any of those things (minus candles obviously)...
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I'm sorry I have no chimney to clean
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Well, the only thing that applies to my living situation in the suggestions is to clean the chimney and I will consider doing that promptly. We don't use oil heat. We use an air tight wood burner for heat so I will clean my chimney. That is a timely reminder to clean the chimney, so I will do take pronto. Thank you.
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thank You!
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Just a reminder to everyone who uses space heaters of anykind, PLEASE follow the directions as far as the distance they should be kept away from combustibles. I am a firefighter for a living and every year we have an increase in structure fires during cold weather because of people improperly placing space heaters too close to furniture, drapes, bed clothes, etc.. If you're using a space heater and you still feel chilled it is worlds safer to put on a jacket or sweater instead of moving the heater closer to your chair or bed. Just a note of concern.
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Thank you for this. I have another way to tell if the air is bad in the house. Orchid buds blast! if too much carbon minoxide or ethylene gas builds up orchid buds will turn yellow and drop. of course you have to grow the orchids! Not for everyone but they are great indicators of air quality.
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