The San Mateo Coast is known for its commitment to living a healthy lifestyle. From a variety of farmer’s markets in the area boasting local grower’s goods, to endless options for outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, surfing, gardening and much more! You’ll be sure to find healthy options around every corner on the San Mateo Coast.
But what about your San Mateo Coastal home? Whether you live in Moss Beach, Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Montara or Pacifica; having a healthy home is just as important as having a healthy body. As San Mateo Coast Real Estate agents; we have a passion for the homes along the coast and a desire to see them in the healthiest state possible!
We’ve gathered ten potential problem areas that you may not even be aware of as harmful, and a healthy solution for each one. Take a look!
1. Granite Countertops- The United States is seeing a small increase in radioactive or hot granite countertops. Exotic varieties from South America and Africa have been found to contain harmful levels of radon and other radioactive elements. If you suspect that you may have a hot countertop, call a radon technician.
2. Combustion Byproducts- From hot water heaters to fireplaces, there are many different systems that operate using a combustion process. Combustion byproducts include carbon monoxide and other harmful, odorless gasses. Installing a ventilation system or replacing combustion systems with non-combustion or direct vented models in your San Mateo home will help reduce the risks associated with these byproducts.
3. Carpeting vs. Hard Surface Flooring- There are varying opinions about whether carpet is better or worse for air quality than hard surface flooring. Carpeting traps dust, debris, allergens, and mold. Hard surface flooring is much easier to clean and disinfect. And that new-carpet smell? That odor comes from the volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) emitted by standard carpeting. Purchasing carpeting and carpet cleaning products that have been certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) will help reduce the potential health risks associated with carpet.
4. Paints, Stains, Glues and Sealers- Lead paint is still a hazard in pre-1975 paint coatings, but even newer dry paint coatings and stains off-gas VOCs. When the time comes to refinish a surface, strip off the old coating completely and finish with a low or zero VOC product, which are commonly available from most major paint manufacturers. Caulking, sealers, and glues also off-gas VOCs and are now available with low or no VOC versions.
5. Dirty Ductwork- This would seem like common sense, but most builders install HVAC ductwork and do not cover it, allowing the duct systems to trap dust and debris for the duration of the construction process. In these cases, every time the HVAC system is used, the homeowner inhales construction debris. There are many duct cleaning services available that can rid the system of construction dust.
6. Air Filters- Every air-based heating and cooling system has an air filter, which is given a MERV rating. A MERV filter of 9 or higher is ideal. Replace old air filters and make sure you clean the filter regularly.
7. Ventilation Systems- Ventilation systems replace stale, indoor air with fresh outdoor air. Which is what you want to breathe in on the San Mateo Coast! Many older homes do not have these systems. While purchasing a ventilation system or having one installed can be expensive, it is one of the best ways to improve the air quality of your home. A properly ventilated home can also reduce heating and cooling costs.
8. Cleaning and Freshening- Traditional cleaning products and air fresheners can do more harm than good. If using traditional cleaning products, make sure the space is well ventilated and the product has time to dry before children are allowed to enter. There are a variety of green, natural, and alternative cleaning and freshening methods available today. Also, leave your shoes at the door.
9. Plastics- Plastics are one of the most toxic household materials. From food storage to children’s toys, plastics are being linked to a number of health problems. When purchasing plastic products, look on the bottom for numbers 1, 2, 4, or 5. These are the safe plastics. Avoid numbers 3, 6, and 7, unless marked as BPA-free. Immediately discard all of the plastics in your household that are marked with these numbers.
10. Formaldehyde- Many building products, including certain particleboards and composite materials, contain and will off-gas formaldehyde, a highly toxic chemical than can cause reactions ranging from headache to nausea. Although the use of formaldehyde has decreased in recent years, when replacing old flooring and cabinetry, look for formaldehyde-free new products.
We hope these tips are helpful as you consider the health of your San Mateo Coastal home! Whether you are considering selling your San Mateo home, or plan on living there for years to come; these updates are crucial to your homes’ health and play a part in your health as well!
If you have any questions about your home, selling your home or about the San Mateo Coastal Real Estate market; please let us know! We’re here to help you in any way we can and look forward to hearing from you!
Kathy & Michael Rain
Your San Mateo Coastal Real Estate Experts
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San Mateo County residents have lead the way in concerted efforts to save the environment. Round up your E-scrap and bring it to the Free E-Scrap Drop Off and Document Shredding Event on Saturday, October 22nd from 9am to 1pm.