Warm Your Floor Wants to Know: Is Your Home Making You Sick?

Many customers initially come to Warm Your Floor because they are worried about indoor air pollution that may be contributing to many respiratory ailments. In many cases, these customers switch to heated floors because they realize that in floor heating can distribute far fewer pollutants and allergens than most heating systems. Besides switching to in floor heating, customers can improve indoor air quality by:

1) Watching those carpets. The Canadian Lung Association reports that carpets can harbor dust, pesticides, chemicals, bacteria, and mould. Uncarpeted floors are ideal, especially when heated with under floor heating, which dries out the flooring surface and so discourages mould and bacteria from growing. If you have to have carpets, consider natural-fiber and short-pile carpets or rugs. However, if you “need” carpets, consider why you are taking the risk. If it’s because your home’s floors are affected by drafts or cold, heated floors can make your uncarpeted floors toasty and far more comfortable than you can imagine. If you cannot live without carpet, the experts suggest a high-efficiency particulate arrestance vacuum. These appliances can be pricey but take care of dust, especially if you vacuum at least twice a week. Make sure that there is no carpeting in the bathroom, kitchen, or on concrete floors. You will simply not be able to keep these carpets mould- and bacteria-free. You can install in floor heating – yes, even under concrete – to keep these areas drier and healthier.

2) Watching out for pesticides. These toxic chemicals have been linked to increased risks of cancer, respiratory troubles, and Parkinson's disease, especially in children. Indoors, use gel or traps rather than sprays to deal with pests. Outdoors, try organic methods of weed control, since pesticides can easily be brought indoors on feet.

3) Cutting back on dry cleaning. Most dry cleaning processes use a chemical called Perchloroethylene. This solvent can stay in your clothes for weeks, and the solution has been linked to increased risks for some cancers. Home dry-cleaning kits contain strong scents that can be respiratory irritants. If you have to dry clean clothes, look for an environmentally-friendly cleaner who guarantees that no perchloroethylene will be used on your garments. Then, air dry your garments thoroughly outside before bringing them back in. Keep in mind, too, that some delicates can be hand-washed as well as dry cleaned and hand washing is generally far friendlier for your lungs.