Older homes are special places brimming with character and charm of the bygone. They have a distinctive atmosphere, magnificent architectural elements, and attention-grabbing design features. The only problem is that these are not the easiest environments to maintain and one of the common issues is air quality.  On the brighter note, there are some measures and steps you can take to immerse in your striking space while at the same limiting the exposure to risk.

Dust in the wind

Interior air is bustling with life. Most of it is harmless, but there are also little bits of substances that can impede your health and wellbeing. Nuisances like allergens usually call for some cleaning and maintenance. So, keep the dust at bay and you will deal a serious blow to allergens. Furthermore, dust is also a base of operations for other uninvited guests such as mildew, mold, pet hair and dander. See to it that horizontal surfaces are cleaned on a regular basis.

Pay special attention to wall-to-wall rugs and carpets since they are the Promised Land for animal allergens and dust. One other thing you can do is purchase an air purifier. Personally, I am quite satisfied with air purifiers from Oransi. Of course, do not forget to ventilate your living space as well, and let the rejuvenating fresh air in. This decreases the level of allergens, as well as odor and moisture.  A relative humidity level should be between 30 and 50 percent, and both humidifiers and dehumidifiers serve as a means of monitoring it.

A clean slate

An older insulation can contain asbestos, a mineral fiber which was used to provide heat insulation as well as fire resistance. However, breathing airborne asbestos puts you at an increased risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma and other conditions. It is precisely the poor condition of asbestos products that launch this menace into the air, which is to say that a professional inspection, removal, or repair is required. Likewise, bear in mind that the products like cleaners, pesticides and garden supplies can also emit fumes and odors, so keep them in sealed containers.

The next crucial element is plumbing. Installations made prior to 1940s often used lead, a notoriously toxic material. Even if the pipes were made of galvanized steel, another popular solution, they are still prone to corrosion and leaks. One signal that the detrimental process has begun is low hot water pressure. Homeowners who fail to anticipate this are faced with potential damage to structural elements. Even worse, this nurtures a fertile environment for mold and mildew to take hold. While this usually gives rise to allergic reactions, some molds are even toxic.

The only remedy against this is regular inspection and maintenance, and in many instances, the replacement of aged pipes. Finally, do not overlook masonry chimneys and fireplaces that reveal their more fragile nature over time. Namely, cracks can occur, and once that happens, gas leakage is soon to follow. Carbon monoxide is something you do not want in your home, so before the disaster strikes, muse on relining the chimney with clay tiles, cement or metal. To minimize the risk, it is also advisable to make good use of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

A breath of fresh air

The indoor air quality is of the utmost importance for your and your family’s health. There are various sources of pollution you need to keep an eye on, so do not let them offset the allure of an old home.  Control the interior climate, increase the ventilation, conduct regular maintenance, and keep track of elements that spoil it. Take action promptly and address the root of the problem: That way, you can breathe more easily, and do away with a wide range of dangers that lurk in the shadow of the antique.