Top Fall Fixes For A Healthy Home

Fall is just around the corner, and with the change of seasons comes lowering temperatures, kids going back to school, and for some, increased health issues. Plenty of people deal with seasonal allergies, stress, and more as the days become shorter and the weather becomes cooler. However, there are a few steps you can take to keep you and your family healthier, starting right at home. Use these fall fixes to improve the quality of life in your home and get your house ready for the colder seasons of the year.

Getting Wise To Windows

While plenty of people like to keep their windows open through the end of August and possibly even later, it’s important to not overlook the role these components of your home play in your overall health. Windows in your home are largely responsible for regulating indoor temperatures and air quality; in fact, as much as 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through its windows. While heating might not matter much right now, it’s the perfect time to prepare your windows for colder weather. Look into replacing old drafty windows, or opt for more affordable fixes like improving your window treatments. In the winter, draperies can reduce heat loss from a room up to 10%. Preparing these fixes now can improve air quality and temperatures throughout your home once temperatures start plummeting in fall and winter.

Brightening Your Day

As days get shorter, many people experience changes in mood, energy levels, and motivation. In some, this can even reach the extent of turning into symptoms of depression or other mood disorders. In order to combat the emotional shifts that come with the change of seasons, consider your home’s lighting options. Daylight or indoor lighting that mimics natural daylight has been shown to improve mood and boost energy. Changing light bulbs or lighting fixtures in your home might seem like a little fix, but even the smaller changes can impact your quality of life. Check what resources you have available when making quality-of-life improvements that could also impact your home’s energy efficiency as well; you might even be able to make some claims with insurance. A whopping 93% of American homeowners have at least basic homeowners insurance, and some programs are available to encourage energy efficiency by providing grants and discounts.

Time To Get Cooking

Have you been wanting to update your kitchen for a while, but have found yourself dragging your feet on starting such a big project? Now could be the perfect time to update that appliance or even complete a small renovation. According to Houzz, one-third of homeowners say they change to a healthier lifestyle after remodeling their kitchen. Many families find themselves cooking more often in fall and winter, as the weather can sometimes make going out a hassle. Having a well-designed kitchen will encourage you to cook at home more frequently, overall improving your family’s health.

Better Now Than Later

Many homeowners will forget about certain fixes until it becomes relevant to the condition and repair of their home, such as HVAC issues, water heaters, and so on. However, it’s better to schedule an inspection and figure out what needs replacing now rather than later. Have a professional come check out what needs to be done in your home before the weather gets too cold; in some situations, like plumbing, cold weather can seriously impact your ability to finish your maintenance tasks.

As the summer wraps up, it’s time to take care of a few simple fixes around your home to increase the quality of life and health of the space as much as possible. Doing these fixes now will have you ready for fall and the colder months to come.