home improvement
Improve Your Home’s Air Quality
38% of employed individuals worked from home, emphasizing the importance of indoor air quality.
Last Updated on May 18, 2024 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) The COVID-19 pandemic continues to change the way people spend time in their homes. From work to working out, more out-of-the-house activities have moved to the home.
In fact, according to the 2021 American Time Use Survey, 38% of employed people did some or all of their work from home. That means better indoor air quality at home is as important as ever.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality can be up to five times worse than outdoor air quality. With the average person taking about 22,000 breaths per day, installing smarter indoor air quality technology is key to healthier living year-round.
Improving your home’s air quality begins with recognizing what contributes to poor indoor air quality, the potentially harmful effects and how to address these problems.
Off-gassing
Off-gassing from construction materials, carpeting, adhesives and synthetic materials, as well as solvents from common household cleaners, can accumulate in even well-constructed homes. Continuous ventilation solutions can help reduce the harmful effects of off-gassing, such as headaches, nausea and irritation in your eyes, nose and throat.
Simple smart ventilation fans and good ventilation can help control off-gassing in your home. Other options for reducing the impact of off-gassing include shopping for products designed for low or no volatile organic compound emission and adding houseplants that naturally help filter and purify the air, though houseplants only offer a small amount of help.
Moisture
Moisture that is not properly ventilated can cause mildew and mold formation, which can potentially lead to structural problems and health issues. For most homes, the optimal humidity balance is 40-60%, but those levels can be hard to maintain in high-humidity spaces like bathrooms.
Antimicrobial light technology combined with powerful ventilation offers effective protection against bacteria, mold and fungi growth in your home. An option like the Broan SurfaceShield LED Exhaust Fan kills viruses and prevents mold, bacteria and fungi growth on surfaces in your bathroom or other humidity-prone environments. Featuring two lighting modes, an everyday white light perfect for task lighting and a continuous antimicrobial mode, the cover is also designed to stay cleaner longer with less louvers in which dust and dirt can get trapped.
Cooking effluents
Cooking effluents from food preparation can infiltrate the whole house in minutes. Grease, oils and aromas settle permanently into carpet, furniture, clothing and other surfaces. Kitchen ventilation solutions can help eliminate cooking effluents for a cleaner, more comfortable and healthier environment.
For example, the Broan Elite 21-Inch Custom Range Hood Power Pack offers a custom appearance while protecting cabinetry with stainless steel liners. Bright LED lighting enhances your cooking experience while the four-speed, back-lit, soft touch control and WiFi connectivity enabling voice control makes operating the hood easy. Automatic infrared sensing allows your range hood to adjust the speed of your fan based on your cooking style.
Pollutants
Stemming from sources like space heaters, gas stoves, woodstoves, indoor furnaces, dryers and fireplaces, combustion pollutants are gases or particles that come from burning materials. Examples include carbon monoxide – causing headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue – and nitrogen dioxide – causing eye, nose and throat irritation; impaired lung function; and increased respiratory infections.
When possible use appliances that vent to the outside, ventilate rooms where fuel-burning appliances are in use and ensure these appliances are properly installed, used, adjusted and maintained.
Explore more ideas for improving air quality in your home at broan-nutone.com.
SOURCE:
Broan-NuTone
Author
Refresh Your Home: A Room-by-Room Spring Cleaning Checklist
(Feature Impact) After months of winter, spring cleaning isn’t just about dusting and vacuuming – it’s about inviting sunlight and fresh air into your space through the open windows and giving yourself a fresh start for the longer days ahead.
It’s also a perfect opportunity to clear out the old and make room for new experiences, memories and energy. Whether you’re tackling deep cleaning for the first time or you have seasonal rituals for tidying up your home, this room-by-room guide can help you plan and conquer seasonal chores.
Whole Home:
- Declutter spaces: Donate, recycle or discard what you don’t need
- Wash windows inside and out
- Dust baseboards, walls, vents and ceiling fans
- Wipe down doors, knobs and light switches
- Vacuum and clean under and behind furniture
- Clean curtains and blinds
- Store seasonal items like winter clothing and decor
- Replace air filters
- Shampoo carpet
Kitchen:
- Empty and wipe down refrigerator and freezer
- Clean oven, stovetop and microwave
- Scrub countertops and backsplashes
- Clean out the garbage disposal
- Sweep and mop floors
- Organize the pantry and throw away any expired items
Bathrooms:
- Scrub grout and tile
- Clean mirrors and glass surfaces
- Deep clean toilets
- Wipe down cabinets and bathroom fixtures
- Wash rugs, floor mats and the shower curtain and liner
- Empty trash and clean the bin
Bedrooms and Other Living Areas:
- Wash bedding, pillows and linens
- Organize closets and drawers
- Vacuum chair, couches and mattresses as well as under cushions
- Dust shelves and decor
- Clean light fixtures and lampshades
Outdoor Areas:
- Power wash patios, sidewalks and driveways
- Wipe down outdoor furniture and replace textiles like pillows, cushions and umbrellas
- Clear debris from garden beds
- Prune shrubs, plants and trees
- Organize garages and sheds
- Reconnect hoses and sprinklers
- Prep lawn equipment such as mowers, weed eaters and blowers
For more spring cleaning tips and tricks, visit eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
Consumer Corner
Avoid a Summer Breakdown: Why Now is a Smart Time to Replace an Old HVAC System
As summer approaches, homeowners are encouraged to replace outdated HVAC systems in spring for improved efficiency and cost savings. Many homeowners lack awareness of their system’s age and lifespan, leading to higher long-term costs. Investing in a modern system enhances air quality, reduces energy bills, and adds home value.
(Feature Impact) With summer heat just around the corner, homeowners may not be aware that spring can be a perfect time to prepare for rising temperatures. An outdated heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, for example, may not be up for the task of keeping a home cool.
In fact, it can end up costing homeowners more in the long term due to a gradual decline in efficiency and more frequent repairs. In addition to savings over time, there are multiple reasons to replace an aging system this spring.
In a recent survey, Carrier found more than one-quarter (26%) of homeowners don’t know the age of their HVAC system, and a slight majority (54%) don’t know the average lifespan of one. Those knowledge gaps can result in missed opportunities for long-term savings.
Aging Systems Can’t Take the Heat
Many homeowners postpone purchasing a new HVAC system until their existing system fails or they find their aging system is struggling to maintain a consistent temperature. Often, upfront costs deter homeowners from purchasing a new system; however, 8 in 10 homeowners would consider a new heating and cooling system if it paid for itself in energy savings within 5-10 years. With a new energy-efficient system, those savings are possible.
A New HVAC System is a Critical Home Investment
Modern heating and cooling systems have uses beyond heating and cooling. They can improve air quality in the home by balancing humidity levels, reducing drafts and keeping a consistent climate throughout multiple rooms and stories. They also use less energy and run more quietly than older systems, making a home quieter and more cost-effective.
HVAC Basics Many Homeowners Miss
HVAC units often go unseen, yet a home’s comfort depends on them running consistently. It’s critical that homeowners schedule annual maintenance appointments to ensure their system is running as it should and they’re aware of when it may be time to replace.
While it may seem more cost-effective to stick with an outdated system for one more season, an old system could end up prolonging issues and ultimately cost homeowners more in repairs.
Spring is an ideal time to invest in a new HVAC system, as contractors are generally more available to install a new system and homeowners can get ahead of the summer heat, ensuring they’ll be cool all season long.
Signs It’s Time to Replace
Red flags that indicate it’s time for a new HVAC system include: a system that’s more than 10-15 years old, a system that needs noticeably more repairs, energy bills going up despite usage remaining the same, inconsistent temperatures, a system struggling to maintain the desired temperature or a system that’s constantly running or seems less efficient than it used to.
Many companies offer specials during the spring and fall months, known as shoulder season. For example, until May 31, Carrier is offering 0% APR for 60 months and up to $2,100 in rebates so customers can get a jumpstart on a cool, comfortable home. A new HVAC system means more than just cool temps this summer; it means added home value, cleaner air and peace of mind.
Learn more about available rebates, tax credits and financing plans at Carrier.com or by contacting a local expert.
SOURCE:
Carrier
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today! https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner
Consumer Corner
Spruce Up Your Home for St. Patrick’s Day
Spruce Up Your Home: Spring is just around the corner, and there are few better ways to freshen up your home than with a wee bit of St. Patrick’s Day decor.
Last Updated on March 15, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Feature Impact) Spring is just around the corner, and there are few better ways to freshen up your home than with a wee bit of St. Patrick’s Day decor.
Spruce Up Your Home for St. Patrick’s Day
A Splash of Green and a Sparkle of Gold
Whether you love emerald, lime, sage or leafy green shades, simply adding a pop of a new-to-you hue can infuse your home with some St. Paddy’s fever. Check craft stores for reusable greenery to place in a pot or vase, or get crafty and dot pinecones with glue before dusting them with green glitter and placing them in a glass bowl to make a festive display worthy of a leprechaun’s seal of approval. Get Ready for Spring and Shop New Arrivals to Refresh Your Space!
Scent of the Season
Lighting a candle not only creates a festive vibe, but the aroma from a scented candle can remove any staleness in the air and bring some ambiance to your home. Any earthy scent will do – from juniper to fir, pine, sandalwood or amber. Woodsy choices infuse a room with comfort and warmth. Decorative elements like metal charms, beads and crystals (in bright green or gold) add a pop of whimsy to your candle, too.
Shape a Shamrock
Holidays are ideal times to flex your creative muscles and give your home a little artsy edge. Scour the shelves at dollar stores or thrift shops for things like green clay or modeling dough, colored paper, wooden shamrocks, stickers and inexpensive paint sets. Set your artistic side free with paintings or drawings of shimmery rainbows, mischievous leprechauns and shamrocks in various sizes.
Coins, Clover and Centerpieces
One of the easiest ways to add a little Celtic cheer to your home is with joyful table decor. Add some gold shimmer to your dining room table with sparkly ribbons, a bright runner and gold-flecked napkin rings. A fancy glass filled with green baubles and pebbles can be both subtle and festive. A scattering of faux gold coins and rainbow napkins can make the space feel merry and magical.
Find more ideas to get your home ready for St. Patrick’s Day at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
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