Although a significant number of Americans have grown increasingly conscious of the danger of pollutants to our environment, much of the push to “go green” has centered on the air and resources outside your Los Angeles homeclean house. Yet research has shown that the air quality inside our residences is often worse than it is outside, a condition that results from moisture, gases, pets, smoke, and common household products. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to improve the quality of your indoor air, all relatively easy and inexpensive solutions.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR A HEALTHY LOS ANGELES HOME:

  • Vacuum and dust regularly to get rid of pet dander, dust mites, and tracked in allergens. Also wash slipcovers and throw rugs often.
  • Inspect areas which are particularly susceptible to mold. Look under bathroom and kitchen sinks and check shower curtains, ceiling tiles, and refrigerator drip pans. Scrub moldy surfaces with soapy water and dry completely. Increase ventilation in areas in your Los Angeles home that are prone to mold and don’t paint over moldy spots.
  • Clean air ducts: Dust, allergens, musty odors, and toxins can easily accumulate in ducts and, if not removed, too often make their way into your home. You might even consider having the ducts professionally cleaned after you have experienced a leaky roof, flooding, remodeling, or nearby fire. An added bonus to taking this step is the saving of money; the EPA estimates that removing as little as. 4 inches of dust from cooling system coils reduces energy consumption up to 21%!
  • Promptly repair plumbing leaks and keep humidity levels down. Moisture is a major source of pollutants in your home. Humidity levels should range from 30%-50%. Seal openings in exterior siding and make sure rain flows away from the house.
  • Eliminate gases and VOCs: Radon, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds are dangerous elements sometimes found inside your Los Angeles home. For $30 to $35 you can purchase meters to detect unsafe levels of radon and carbon monoxide. VOCs are produced by many household cleaners, polishes, and paint, products which must be well-sealed at all times and stored with vigilance. Even fumes from paint cans stored in an attached garage can infiltrate and pollute household air.
  • Replace furnace filters regularly!
  • Bring nature inside. Did you know that houseplants improve the quality of indoor air? One NASA study found that common houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours. A few varieties that are particularly efficient purifiers are Boston ferns, palms, peace lilies, ivy, philodendrons, and spider and rubber tree plants. Two or three such plants in each room will certainly contribute to a healthier environment for you and your family. An added plus--the presence of plants has been shown to reduce stress levels of a home’s inhabitants.

Eileen Walsh has a reputation for tough, yet fair, negotiation, and for facilitating real estate transactions to a successful close. She has earned the loyalty of repeat clients who rely on her for all of their real estate needs. Eileen's goals are to ensure Los Angeles real estate sellers that they receive top net dollar for their properties in the shortest amount of time and to help Los Angeles homebuyers find the property which best meets their objectives at the fairest price. 

Empowered with the appropriate people skills, market knowledge, deal-making track record and dedication to her clients, Eileen has shown that she is THE INTELLIGENT CHOICE to represent you in your next Los Angeles real estate transaction.

For more information about buying or selling your Los Angeles home, please call Eileen direct at 310-738-3807 or via email at eileenwalsh.realestate@gmail.com.