One of the main reasons to approach your home remodel in a sustainable way is to make your home a healthier environment for your family. Some building materials off-gas harmful chemicals, and a lack of ventilation can result in poor air quality. Other than regularly vacuuming and cleaning, here are a few ways to make sure you breathe easy and improve your home's IAQ:
Use low-VOC paints, caulks and adhesives.
Don't over insulate. While it's important to make sure your roof, walls, windows and doors are insulated so that your home conserves energy, if you seal it too tight, the result is "sick building syndrome."
Rely on natural ventilation when possible.
Check for mold. The presence of mold in your foundation, floors or walls brought on by trapped moisture can cause a host of health problems. If mold is present, it should be remediated by a professional immediately.
Install carbon monoxide detectors.
Select carpet made of natural or hypo-allergenic materials. Some carpets can trap dust and other particles, causing respiratory issues.
Place mats at all entrances to your home and use them regularly.
Check for asbestos. If your home was built before 1975, tiles or insulation may contain this harmful material. Unless it is disturbed it shouldn't be an issue, but if you are embarking on a home renovation it's necessary to test for its presence.
Buy houseplants. Not all of us have a green thumb and keep them alive, but they significantly filter the air. Better yet, install a living wall.
Change your heating and air conditioning system's filters often. It's recommended to change them at least every 3 months and look for a filter with a MERV rating of 13 or higher. Have the ducts cleaned annually to help the system run clean and efficiently.
Upgrade your appliances to those that are Energy Star rated.
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