Many people are buying their first homes. It’s an exciting time but can also be nerve wreaking. There is so much going on, you don’t want to miss out on something important. You know that you are very ready to relax and set up all your furniture and get cozy. Start to build memories in your new perfect place. Take a look at the blank canvas before you and lets get rolling!

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In the first year after moving into your new home, we recommend testing, updating and checking in on some of the typical routine home maintenance. Some will be more expensive than others, some will take more time and research. These are the top 2 things we recommend new home owner to consider.

  • Air Quality

You may think I am referring to an air filter system. You’re on the right track then. When people move into home that have had previous owners, its probably a wise choice to have your HVCA system cleaned out. You can hire a local company that offers air duct cleaning Minneapolis, who can come in and get all the junk, dust, toys and food that have fallen into the air vents throughout the years. You will be surprised to see what comes out!

When the system has been cleaned out you may consider looking into new air filters. Many systems now offer upgraded filters with more fibers that help keep your air quality higher than subpar filters. Be sure to put a reminder in your calendar as to change the filter next. Some need to be replaced every 3 months, while others are every 5 months. Be sure to read your packaging to ensure you don’t wait too long to replace it.

  • Radon

Radon may be a word you are familiar with, and maybe one you heard but honestly don’t really even know what it is. In certain soils across the United States, there are pockets of radon trapped underground. According to the CDC

“Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that is naturally released from rocks, soil, and water. Radon is produced from the decay of uranium, which is found in all rocks and soils. Radon can also be found in water.

Radon can get into homes and buildings through small cracks or holes and build up in the air. Over time, breathing in high levels of radon can cause lung cancer.”
Radon is common in states like Ohio, Idaho, Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, among others. If left untreated this can be very harmful for your family, especially ones with children and small pets. You can find a local company who will come out to test the radon in your basement. The test runs for 24 hours and then they come back to collect the results. With this test they can see how much radon has been leaking into your home. Based on the results, homes may require a radon ventilations system that can be installed typically pretty easily. If you have not bought your home yet, consider asking for this test to be done by the current owners before you put in an offer.