Winter’s Coming: How Is Your IAQ?

As the season is changing, we are putting on the heat at night and closing the windows. The air indoors is less circulated and more concealed; making it that much more important to pay attention to. We are what we breathe. Think about the environment you will be living in over the next several months. The indoor air quality (IAQ) can have an enormous impact on our health. Did you ever wonder why we always seem to get sick in the winter months? It may not just be that cold being passed around; it may be the air you are breathing. Besides the importance of changing the filter and cleaning the ducts of your heating system, there are other measures you can take to greatly improve your home environment. Here are a few tips:

• Replace those air fresheners. Most are aerosol- toxic to our indoor air quality, our health and our environment (even those plug ins aren’t healthy). And then not to mention what’s actually IN that air freshener…toxins like camphor, phenol, ethanol, formaldehyde, and artificial fragrances. Instead, try simmering water on the stove top with spices (cinnamon) or a few drops of essential oil (eucalyptus helps fend off germs)  
• HEPA vacuum. Vacuum regularly and use a HEPA vac. HEPA filtration is very important. The filters can trap dust, dirt, allergens, etc. They trap virtually all particles without a trace being sent back into your indoor environment. Many traditional style vacuums take dirt and dust in, and put out dirty air. You will know this because you can smell it. There should not be any odor from vacuuming. Using a HEPA vacuum is especially important for allergy and asthma suffers, needless to say healthier for all!
• Eliminate the use of harmful chemicals and toxins in your home. So many household use products can toxins that get released into the air we breathe. There are many natural replacements for these products that are much less expensive and you probably already have at home!
• Have a professional Seasonal Cleaning done. Hiring a professional to clean, sanitize, and disinfect your home is a great way to start off the season. It should only cost about the same as having an evening out to dinner and it is a true preventative action towards the health of the family.

For more healthy tips, visit our blog at http://taraspersonalcleaning.wordpress.com/healthy-living-tip-of-the-day/ or to see more information about us, visit our website athttp://www.taraspersonalcleaning.com