Our homes are where we feel our most comfortable. We feel safe inside. Unfortunately, there could be some hidden dangers inside your house that can affect you and your family. Read on for what to look for to keep your home safe.

1. Moisture.

There is a delicate balance of moisture levels in a home. Too little and you may experience worsening allergies, dry skin and excess static electricity. Too much and you could be looking at mold. Mold loves humid environments and can cause a host of symptoms including stuffiness, throat irritation, coughing, eye irritation, or possibly skin irritation.

2. Filters.

Changing the filter in your HVAC system may be part of your monthly rotation, but how often do you change your vacuum filter? If you have a HEPA filter on your vacuum, be sure to change it every six months to decrease the amount of allergens in the air and extend the life of your machine.

3. Vents.

Just like changing the filters, make sure you are cleaning your vents and ducts regularly. Vents can hold a lot of dust from the air and when you turn on your HVAC system you are pushing that out into your home. Vacuum the vents as part of your regular cleaning routine, but enlist a professional to fully clean out your ducts every two to five years.

4. Dust.

The way you dust your home may seem insignificant, however, it can have an impact on your overall health. Use a damp cloth to gather the dust versus a dry cloth or duster, which just pushes the dust to another location. Also, always start dusting at the highest point and finish at the lowest. For example, start with the tops of the door frames, work your way over the furniture, finishing with the floors.

5. Shoes.

Wearing shoes in the house can track in more than 400,000 types of bacteria PER SHOE. These bacteria include E. coli, which is known to cause a downright nasty stomach bug. Keep the bacteria from inhabiting your home by leaving the shoes at the door.

6. Pets.

Our furry friends undoubtedly provide benefits to our lives, but they can also bring dirt, germs and even pests with them. Make sure you are regularly checking your pets for fleas and ticks as well as keeping them groomed to limit the amount of fur and dander they spread.

The experts at Cambria® Mortgage™ are always available to provide guidance and answer questions about home ownership. For more information, visit CambriaMortgage.com or call 952-942-0110.