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A central vacuum system is the most efficient way to keep your house clean in the winter, and while it requires a modest initial investment, it’s also the most cost-effective measure you can take over the long haul. Central vacuum systems are powerful and built to last, so when you have one installed, you’re making a sound long-term investment. This is precisely why central vacuum installation is happening in more and more homes across the country each year.
However, it’s important to understand that while central vacuum installation in your home is a prudent move, it also isn’t the only thing that needs to be done to keep your home clean. First, the central vacuum installation needs to be done properly, and by a qualified professional such as Gary’s Vacuflo, but if you want that system to work at maximum efficiency and be as durable as possible, it’s crucial to understand the other elements involved. It’s not just about using your central vacuum system, but also supplementary methods to maintain a clean home, not just in the winter, but throughout the entire calendar year.
Central Vacuum Installation
It goes without saying that you want to purchase the best central vacuum system possible, but once you do, the system will not install itself. Hiring somebody who is top-of-the-line in terms of central vacuum installation is vital because having the job done incorrectly will just cost you more time and money. This is why, unless you’re an expert in the variety of different skills it takes to achieve proper central vacuum installation, including some drywall work, your best move is to search for a professional company to handle the job.
Word of mouth from people you trust and internet reviews are the easiest and most effective way to find the right company to handle your home’s central vacuum installation. If it’s done correctly, maintenance should be relatively easy, barring a major mechanical issue, as you likely only need to change your filters and vacuum bags a handful of times per year.
Then there are supplementary measures that can be taken to keep your home clean. These include the following.
Wash and Disinfect Wastebaskets and Garbage Cans
In the winter, you’re going to be indoors more than any other time of year, and with windows shut to keep the heat in, that means more opportunities for germs to gather, especially in trash cans where the number of germs is already plentiful. The easiest way to take care of this is to periodically take these containers outside and disinfect them with your garden hose and some soap. Let the trash cans sit for 30 to 60 minutes and soak, then empty them, and use a brush to scrub the inside to get rid of any residue. After that, rinse the cans and let them dry out, as this will help eliminate any remaining bacteria.
Clean the Tops of Anything with a Horizontal Surface
While most people take the time to clean countertops and tables, many don’t do the same for doors or pieces of artwork around the house, both of which can collect a wide array of dust and germs. But while doors and artwork are the most prominent overlooked dirty objects, there are others that need to be cleaned as well. Anything that’s wall-mounted (thermostats, smoke detectors, etc.) should be thoroughly cleaned, in addition to computer monitors, televisions, books collecting dust on shelves, light bulbs and light fixtures, mirrors, electrical wall plates, and baseboards.
Keep Your Windows Clean
Your windows are particularly important during the winter because if they’re not clean, it could significantly reduce the amount of heat and light that gets into your home. This is bad not only because it could significantly impact the amount of heat you furnace needs to generate, and thus make your heating bills higher, but it means more germs in the home and a darker environment that can be somewhat depressing. To avoid these issues, use dish detergent and water to scrub your windows weekly, and use a microfiber cloth to wipe them down.
Clean the Ceiling Fan Blades
The blades on your ceiling fan are great at moving air and cooling down a room, but when they aren’t used a lot, they can collect a lot of dust and germs. Not only is that bad because you never want a buildup of dust and germs in any way, but it also means that if you have any reason to turn your ceiling fan on, the dust and germs that have accumulated will be dispersed into the air in your home. This is a very easy way to get every person in your household sick, so you want to make sure you avoid it, and you can only do that by making sure they’re cleaned regularly.
A simple method for doing this is to take old pillowcases you no longer need and use them to gently cover the blades. Pull the pillowcases back slowly and the dust will be removed. This way, the dust collects inside of the pillowcases instead of winding up in the air or on the furniture in your home. Then you can simply send the pillowcases through the washer when you’re done.
Use a Welcome Mat Outside Your Home
This is a simple but very effective way to keep dirt and germs out of your home in the winter. Keep a welcome mat outside your front door and insist all residents and guests take their shoes off outside and leave them on the mat. Doing this will help avoid tracking dirt and germs from the outdoors into your house. The only cost for you is the purchase of a welcome mat, and if you already have one, there’s no cost at all.
