6 minute read
Home Air Quality
When most people think about air quality, they’re typically thinking about outdoor pollution. However, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air inside your home can be as polluted, or even more so, than the air outside. The concentrations of some indoor pollutants can be as much as 2-5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations.
n n n THE AIR INSIDE your home also contains pollutants from everyday activities like cooking, bathing and cleaning. A family of four can produce the equivalent of 22-30 pounds of moisture per day from normal activities, according to the Institute of Specialist Surveyors and Engineers, while household cleaners and products like paint, upholstery, carpeting and plastics can release chemicals containing volatile organic compounds.
On average, Americans spend an estimated 90% of their time indoors, according to the EPA. All that time with minimal access to daylight and fresh air can take a toll on your health. These steps for managing indoor air quality can help you create a healthier home.
Support your HVAC system
Many homeowners assume their heating and cooling (HVAC) system is adequate to manage their home’s indoor air quality. Typically, these systems only circulate existing indoor air, so you’re missing out on the benefits of circulating fresher, cleaner air.
What’s more, without regular servicing and frequent filter replacements, it’s easy for standard HVAC systems to fall short. This is especially true in older homes or in households where there’s
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Photo courtesy Kristie Zach Photography a high volume of allergens like dust or pet dander. Adding standalone or integrated devices can help give your HVAC system some extra support. Air purifiers can effectively help filter pollutants while ultraviolet lights purify the air and help control pollutants like bacteria, mold and mildew.
Improve fresh air ventilation
When it comes to upgrades that improve air quality, better fresh air ventilation is near the top of the list for many homeowners. Improved ventilation allows you to clear out stale, polluted indoor air and circulate fresh, outdoor air in your home.
Polluted air tends to stagnate at the ceiling, so one effective and energy-efficient way to create natural ventilation is with skylights that open. Sometimes called venting or operable skylights, when you open skylights in combination with vertical windows, you create natural airflow that can help release indoor air pollutants and bring in fresh, clean air to keep your home healthy and pleasant. This concept is known as the chimney effect. Warm air naturally rises and escapes from open skylights while fresh air is drawn inside through the windows. This practice can reduce your reliance on air conditioning, improving your home’s overall efficiency and keeping a lid on cooling costs.
Today’s skylights can also be automated to open and close at regular intervals or extend and retract shades to block light as needed. Many models, including those from Velux, can even connect to a smartphone app to combine convenience with a soothing mood booster that supports health and wellness.
Keep up with cleaning
Textiles like carpeting, rugs and window treatments can harbor a great deal of dust and dander that reduces air quality. It’s important to regularly clean and air out these decorative fabrics and surfaces, especially thick carpet that is likely to host dust mites and bacteria. Remember air quality while you’re cleaning, too, and opt for cleaning products with fewer chemicals. When possible, use microfiber cloths and natural materials like white vinegar and soap flakes.
With proper upgrades, adjustments and care, you can enjoy a home filled with fresh, healthy air and comfortable surroundings yearround. Learn more at whyskylights.com. n
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FIRST WEBER LAKE COUNTRY’S JULY SALES & LISTING LEADERS
Listing Leaders by Unit Individual ~ Liz Tobolt Team ~ Tony Wendorf & Associates Sales Leaders Total Units ~ Listings Sold & Sales Individual ~ Flora Cameron, Renee Kasper, Martha Ford Team ~ Tony Wendorf & Associates Sales Units ~ Sales Only Individual ~ Renee Kasper, Kimberly Stark Team ~ Tony Wendorf & Associates Total Volume Listings Sold & Sales Individual ~ Flora Cameron Team ~ Tony Wendorf & Associates
Agents Who Achieved A Million In Sales For July ~ Pending Sales Tony Wendorf & Associates ~ $7,457,101 Flora Cameron ~ $3,563,500 Renee Kasper ~ $2,069,000 Ritonia-Peot/Stevens ~ $2,054,400 Kimberly Stark ~ $1,681,000 Martha Ford ~ $1,675,000 Erin Rogosienski ~ $1,620,000 Tweeden Baranowski Team ~ $1,409,000 The Marshall Team ~ $1,246,000 Nancy Markos ~ $1,171,000 Sam & Karly Team ~ $1,160,000
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July was another record month for our office thanks to the dedication and hard work of every single agent! Now more than ever, good agents are crucial. These are the people you want in your corner! ~ Roger Rushman, Abby Hauke & Sarah Venes, Managing Brokers.
STRAIGHT FROM THE AGENTS
What is going on in our communities and where you can find our agents
Tasha Nicholson ~“Hiking with my dogs at Kettle Moraine state park!” Ali Hansen ~ “Day on Nagawicka ended with Leduc’s!”
H H H H H Nancy Markos ~ “There’s nothing like a starry night at a concert on the porch at the Magic Mansion in Oconomwoc… with a preconcert Negroni and scrumptious nibbles at Sobie’s. Tony Wendorf ~ “We love Cocos If the sun is shining a kayak outing starting at Panga on Upper Steakhouse, Lago Su Bella and Nemahbin through the channel to the jade water of Lower Reveres. Also love being out on Nashotah is a must!” the boat with family and friends on Upper Nashotah, Okauchee, Pewaukee and Nag.” Michael Fitzpatrick ~ “Kayaking on Okauchee Lake”
Vicki Marciniak ~ “Oconomowoc farmers market-awesome flowers, veggies and baked goods!” Nicole Stevens ~ “The Hartland Street dance has always been one of my favs since I was a kid. Now called party in the park Always a good time, great music, food, and of course meeting new faces!”
