Saturday, 8 October 2011

How to Prevent Indoor Air Quality Problems: 4 Tips

Preventhng indoor air quality problems from occurring is the best way to protect the health of everyone that uses the space in question - whether the area is a home or an office. All types of buildings can have air that is contaminated by air pollutants and harmful particles that can cause a number of respiratory illnesses and other health problems. It's important to take steps to keep air as clean and pure as possible in any structure.

Tips to Prevent Problems with Indoor Air Quality

Knowing - and following - a few simple methods to prevent indoor air quality problems can reduce the risks of poor air quality harming the health of the individuals who live and work in a particular building.

1. Keep Air Vents and Grilles Clear

It is important to keep all air vents and grilles clear and free from obstructions. That is because the air vents and grilles are needed to circulate the air throughout the building and through the heating and cooling system. If they are blocked, the air in the indoor areas can become stagnant with high levels of air pollutants due to poor ventilation. Blocked grills can also put mechanical systems under strain, potentially causing costly repairs and higher energy bills.

2. Avoid Smoking in Indoor Spaces

Environmental tobacco smoke is one of the most harmful air pollutants that can be encountered in interior air. Tobacco smoke can cause a wide variety of illnesses and health conditions for both the smoker and anyone else that inhales the smoke from tobacco products.

Monday, 3 October 2011

10 Water Saving Tips for Your Home

Conserving water is good for the environment, good for the hydrological cycle, and good for your pocketbook. What's not to love about conserving water? It's not hard to do; with a few minor changes in the way you use water, you'll find yourself recycling and saving it without much thought. Follow these tips on lowering your water consumption and rest easy knowing you're doing what you can to battle the water shortage.

1. Check your faucets. indoors and out, for leaks and drips. A dripping faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water each day.

2. Only flush your toilet when really necessary. Don't blot your lipstick with a Kleenex and then flush it, and don't flush just to get rid of a cigarette butt or a piece of fuzz. Remember the old hippie adage, "If it's yellow, let it mellow; if it's brown, flush it down." You may not want to let your pee sit in the toilet until you go Number Two, but follow the general spirit and don't flush wantonly; each time you push the handle, up to 7 gallons of water go down the drain.