Utility Room

Furnace – Nitrogen Dioxide

A gas furnace not vented correctly can release the indoor air pollutant, nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide is a gas that can irritate the lungs and cause shortness of breath.

• Be sure your gas furnace is properly vented outside and in good working order.

• Replace furnace filters every six months. Replace filters with HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters to capture more particulates. HEPA filters can be found at local hardware stores.

• Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector, to alert you to excess carbon monoxide.

Water Heater – Nitrogen Dioxide

A gas water heater not vented correctly can release the air pollutant, nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide is a gas that can irritate the lungs and cause shortness of breath.

• Be sure your gas water heater is properly vented and in good working order.

• Set the thermostat on the water heater at 130°F to kill house dust mites. Caution: Temperatures this high can scald skin.

• Consider installing a carbon monoxide detector, to alert you to excess carbon monoxide.

Dryer Vent - Mold

Clothing dryers can release humid air into the house if not vented outside correctly. Humid air and damp surfaces help mold grow.

• Check the vent hose for cracks or tears. Check the connections are hooked up right and vent outside.

• Clean any mold and dust with a damp, soapy cloth.

Washing Machine - Mold & Pests

Standing water from a leaking washing machine attracts pests like cockroaches and help mold grow.

• Regularly check the water supply hose connection. Fix leaks.

• Consider replacing rubber connection hoses with flexible metal hose connections. Rubber hoses tend to split over time and can cause indoor flooding.

• Shut off the water supply to the washing machine when away from the home for extended periods of time.

• Clean any mold and dust with a soapy, damp cloth.

Dehumidifier - Mold & Dust Mites

Excess moisture and humidity levels above 60 percent promote the growth of mold and dust mites. A dehumidifier will lower the humidity.

• Humidity levels should be between 40 and 60 percent.

• Install a humidity monitor to gauge the humidity levels in the home.

• Use a dehumidifier as needed. Many detect the humidity level and automatically turn on and off to adjust.

• Set the dehumidifier near a drain and attach a hose that leads directly to the drain.

• If a drain is not available, check the reservoir daily and empty as needed.

Cleaning Products - Strong Odors

Cleaning supplies often give off strong odors that can irritate the lungs of sensitive people.

• Choose cleaning supplies that are labeled “non-toxic.”

• Avoid using aerosol spray cleaners. Use a damp, soapy cloth instead.

• Use exhaust fans and/or open windows when using cleaners.

• People with asthma should avoid exposure to strong odors from cleaning products.

Pet Food - Pests

Pet food and water attract pests like cockroaches.

• Clean up spilled pet food or water.

• Do not leave pet food out overnight.

• Store pet food in sealed containers.

HEPA Vacuum – Dust & Dust Mites

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter vacuums and HEPA filter bags have a seal that captures about 99% of dust.

• Use HEPA filter vacuums or HEPA filter bags to clean carpets, hard-surface floors, fabric covered furniture and drapes.