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SunTouch Electric Radiant Floor Heating Can Replace Toxic Air Fresheners in Your Home

Sales of air fresheners and related products are expected to increase to $1.72 billion in 2007. It seems that many of us are worried about the way our homes smell and we are buying products that introduce more chemicals into our air in order to cover up the evidence. SunTouch Electric Radiant Floor Heating has a fresher idea – why not get rid of the causes of odors in the home and reduce the need for chemicals in the first place?

Many traditional heating systems contribute to bad odors in the home. Furnaces and forced-air systems, for example, blow air around the home. Exhaust and pollutants from a poorly-repaired furnace can contribute to indoor odor. Many air vents also contain dust, germs, allergens, mould, and bacteria. As these allergens become airborne and are blown around a home via air vents, odors can occur. Any kitchen smells or already-present odors can be distributed all over a home via air vents. Baseboard heaters and radiators can also overheat, causing odor as the components of these heating systems reach red-hot temperatures. Any dust or microscopic fibers on your baseboard heaters or radiators will also burn, leaving a terrible, lingering smell.

Air fresheners are likely not the answer. The American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine recently reported that consistent use of these sprays may increase the risk of asthma by 30-50%. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) tested a number of air freshening products in 2007 and found that many contain toxic ingredients such as benzene, formaldehyde, and phthalates even when these toxins are not listed as ingredients. All these ingredients are harmful. Benzene has been linked to higher risks of cancer and phthalates have been linked to birth defects and abnormal development of the brain and the nervous and immune systems. A number of groups have petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to put stricter rules in place for air fresheners.

Rather than air fresheners, you can opt to eliminate bad odors from your home. Opening a few windows can help ventilate your living space. Switching to radiant floor heat can also help eliminate some of the odors associated with traditional heating systems. Electric floor heating systems will not produce bad odors in your home and will not blow around and distribute bad odors in your home. If your home is currently musty or has excessive moisture, radiant floor heating systems can create a drier environment on your floors, preventing mould and bacteria from flourishing. This can help prevent odors even more.