How to keep yourself and your family
healthy through winter?
Check out some health tips given by Auckland Regional
Public Health Service & the Ministry of Social Development. They advise
taking the influenza vaccination on time, washing your hands properly, taking
healthy food, doing routine exercises, and reducing dampness in the house etc.
The website of the Health Service also says
if you or your child is feeling unwell you can get free health advice from
registered nurses by phoning Healthline on 0800 611 116. Read their full
article with ten tips for staying well in winter.
Winter House Maintenance Issues
Now let’s look at some maintenance tips for
your house in winter.
Gutters and water leaks:
Rain is usual in the winter. And if the gutters, downpipes and the drains are
not clean, there can be blocks and water will leak into the house building
structure. So, one must check the gutters before and during the winter to
ensure free flow of water through the pipes and drains.
Leaf guards on the gutters are to be
checked and ensure that the cleaners you hire give quality service for them.
House insulation:
As per the Building Code Clause H1, New Zealand houses should maintain proper insulation,
ensuring the right level of thermal resistance (R-value) for their location.
Adequate insulation is necessary for a healthier living condition and it also
reduces your energy bills because the heat generated is effectively circulated
inside the house.
More insulation is needed for houses in
colder climates. Recent studies in New Zealand clarified that there is a
definite link between insulation and health. People living in well insulated
houses reported visiting their GP less.
Ceiling and underfloor insulation will be
compulsory in all rental homes from 1 July 2019. New Zealand Govt’s tenancy,
maintenance and inspections website states that the landlord must disclose
whether there is insulation in the rental home, where it is, what type and what
condition it is in, so tenants can make an informed decision. The tenancy laws
also stipulate that a landlord who fails to comply with the insulation
requirements as on 1st July 2019 will be liable for a penalty of up
to $4,000.
Before the start of the winter and also during
the winter period, you should inspect the insulation so as to make sure that it
hasn't become inadequate due to water damage, dampness or compression from
storage boxes.
Dampness and moisture:
Everybody knows the signs of dampness in the house like mould growth and
visible water stains on the walls, ceilings etc. There will also be the
presence of damp, stale or musty smells caused by mould spores in the buildings
affected by damp problems.
Mould spores in the air can cause sickness,
so the areas affected by mould, especially the wardrobes, cupboards and the
backs of curtains, are to be thoroughly cleaned. If you are not sure about
completely removing the presence of mould, better hire an expert home cleaning
service in New Zealand to do it professionally.
Check and ensure that the extractor fans in
the kitchens and bathrooms are working in good condition. Change the filters of
the ventilation system once every year.
Prevention is better than cure:
A scheduled winter cleaning programme
from Select Clean before the beginning of inclement weather can greatly reduce
dampness and moisture related issues.
A freshly cleaned home is a delight to look
at as everybody feels great in a clean atmosphere. Get more time for you and
your kids by hiring Select Clean and you can spend your free time on the things
you love to do. Protect your home in winter by joining hands with the most
reliable and consistent home cleaning service in New Zealand.
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