Unlike the little wizard-home in the picture, homes can be complicated.

I recently had two clients, who on first sight had perfectly healthy, well designed, and well constructed homes.

As it turned out, one had considerable mould readings, which emanated from dusty air-conditioning ducts. When I sent my endoscope into the ducting, I immediately knew that the ducts needed cleaning, if not replacing. The client decided to have them replaced. It can get pretty filthy, in there.

The other client had shocking carbon monoxide readings. This gas does not smell, and neither does carbon dioxide. Both suffocate people. The whole family had complained about headaches, fatigue, constant respiratory problems and infections, and really poor sleep. - The gas came out of a faulty central heating system.

Why am I telling you this? - It’s a reminder to regularly inspect and maintain everything. Put dates into your calendar, make a list on your fridge, - anything that works for you. It’s complicated and annoying, but it has to be done.

If you miss it, your home might make you and your family really sick. We need to be alert and aware of our environment and we need to take care of it. Changes often can not be seen, heard or felt, and the causes can be hidden.

Keep an eye on-

• heating and air-conditioning systems

• water and water filters

• any ducting

• any leaks under benchtops, in showers, toilet cisterns, discolouration on walls

• air purifiers and their filters

• vacuum cleaners and their fiilters

• dehumidifiers and their filters

• washing machines and dishwashers

• … and this is just the beginning. In my book, you’l find check lists for cleaning, building, maintenance and tips on how to go about it.

Make sure to enjoy your maintenance tasks and give yourself a BIG pad on the back!