Take a clean break from indoor air pollution. The good news is, a winterized home is sealing out the wind and cold. The bad news is, it may be sealing in common pollutants. In fact, research indicates that interior air may be more polluted than outdoor air even in major cities. But with regular, simple maintenance and procedures, you can keep your indoor air fresh as the outdoors – actually, fresher!

Here are a few tips on giving your home a clean bill of health. They can also save money on house cleaning, your appliances’ longevity, and best of all, doctor bills.

A clean furnace is very important. If your furnace is dirty and has not been serviced in some time, it is worth having an expert come and look at the unit. A properly maintained furnace will work more efficiently, increase the life of the furnace, and emit less carbon dioxide in to your home.

Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and with the dryer. Gas appliances may emit carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. Unvented gas stoves can release formaldehyde. Warning: A persistent yellow-tipped flame usually indicates pollutant emissions from stove burners and space heaters. Have the burner adjusted so the flame tip is blue.

Another easy step to increase your indoor air quality is smoking. Tobacco smoke is filled with 100’s a carcinogens. The Attorney General has deemed second hand tobacco smoke to being potentially deadly and linked to many other undesired results. Smoke outside. Simple.

In line with having a clean furnace, it may be beneficial to have an air duct cleaning company come take a look at your duct work. Most companies offer a camera that can go deep within your ducts. Find a company that is willing to do a free estimate and see if your ducts need to be cleaned.

Change heater filters monthly. You’ll increase the life and efficiency of your heater and enjoy better air quality.

Always clean any of your plumbing with bleach to kill any mold or mildew that may develop.

If you have a basement you should consider using a dehumidifier. This will help keep the humidity levels down and restrict any growth of mold spores.

If any parts or areas of your home become damaged by water, you should discard and replace these materials. The overall goal of a clean home is to reduce the amount of carcinogens, bacteria, and mold that is in your home.

Ventilate the attic and crawl spaces. You’ll help prevent moisture buildup and the chance for mold.

Don’t idle the car in the garage. A major carbon monoxide producer. Have your home tested by a heating/cooling specialist. Test for mold, carbon monoxide, radon, and anything unique to your region or neighborhood. It’s a small price to pay and you’ll breathe a lot easier.

Indoor Pollutant Primer Bacteria are microorganisms that thrive in wet areas of the home and are often food-borne. Effects range from sore throats to food poisoning. Biological contaminants are life-based contaminants including bacteria, mold, viruses, animal dander, house dust mites and pollen. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that reduces oxygen levels in your body. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, weakness, confusion and sometimes death. Formaldehyde is a colorless, pungent-smelling chemical that can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, and sometimes breathing difficulties. It’s common in pressed woods, and unvented gas stoves can produce it. Mold and mildew are fungi. They gradually destroy items they grow on and can cause allergic reactions, headaches, labored breathing, skin irritation and more. Nitrogen dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas that irritates eyes, nose and throat and can cause shortness of breath. Perchloroethylene is a drycleaning chemical that causes cancer in animals. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas in the ground. Radon can cause cancer, however it’s inexpensive to detect and there are effective, often inexpensive ways to rid homes of radon. The EPP recommends all homes be tested for radon. Having a clean indoor environment is important to you and your family’s health.

The author works for Weltman Home Services of New Jersey. Experts NJ Plumbers and New Jersey PLumbing. Weltman Home Services is a leading contract company in Central New Jersey.