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SunTouch WarmWire Can Safeguard Your Indoor Air Quality

SunTouch WarmWire customers often switch to radiant floor heat to avoid some of the health risks associated with traditional heating systems. Most heating systems using air vents can blow allergens, germs, mould, and rust around a home, wreaking havoc with families’ respiratory systems. Most radiator or baseboard systems can burn dust and other allergens, creating not only a terrible smell but also a very unhealthy atmosphere. Floor heating eliminates both types of risks. In addition to switching to radiant heating, you can also improve your air quality by:

1) Eliminating mercury. Mercury thermostats and thermometers will release mercury if broken, and mercury has been linked to kidney damage, lung disease, and brain damage.

2) Ventilating well. If you have a traditional heating system, your air vents could be spewing pollutants and even carbon monoxide into your home, so you need to keep windows open even a little bit year round for ventilation. Even if you have radiant heat in your home and don’t have to worry about your heating system, though, harsh cleaning products and chemicals in your furnishings can be toxic, so some ventilation is needed.

3) Limiting fragrances and chemicals. The Canadian Lung Association advises customers to avoid aerosol products as much as possible. Even seemingly harmless sprays such as cleaners, air fresheners, and beauty products can cause lung, eye, and skin irritations. Many sprays have toxic ingredients, as well. Switch to gel-based beauty products and learn to make your own natural cleaning products.

4) Getting rid of dust. If you have a furnace, your air vents are likely blowing dust and dust mites around your home, which can cause asthma and allergies. If you can, switch to radiant floor heat, which can dramatically reduce the amount of dust in your home and can ensure that little of your dust becomes airborne. You can also fight dust by washing bedding and toys in hot water (130F or 55C) regularly. Replace pillows every few years as well and consider buying plastic covers for pillows and mattresses.

5) Eliminating moisture. Moulds can cause eye and lung irritation and can even cause illness or cancer. The Canadian Lung Association suggests that the best way to eliminate moulds in the home is to get rid of moisture. Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements are especially vulnerable to moisture. Electric floor heating systems can help reduce mould in the home because they often replace furnaces and air vents, which can actually harbor mould spores. Radiant floor heating systems also mean drier floors, which can discourage mould and bacteria from growing. If your home is water damaged in any way, you will need to replace the drywall, wood, carpets or belongings affected by water to prevent mould from growing.