Many people who suffer from allergies or asthma hope to stay indoors when the irritant season flares up each year. However, this strategy only works when you take meticulous care of your indoor air quality. Considering that six out of 10 people in the United States are exposed to pet dander, and eight out of 10 are exposed to dust mites, there are several steps you can take around your home to improve its indoor air quality.
We are always here to provide professional support for all your HVAC needs, including IAQ help.
What Allergy Season Entails
Allergens are irritants that travel through the air and trigger asthma attacks or allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them. When allergy season kicks off in earnest, these particles are released into your air supply in abundance. Sensitive people will likely experience sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and general discomfort when exposed to heightened levels of such contaminants. Allergens can build up in carpets, ductwork, and other areas inside your home, where they continue to irritate allergy sufferers.
Controlling your indoor environment as much as possible can help you reduce irritation and inflammation and enjoy greater comfort.
The Main Sources of Indoor Allergens
Allergens can be easily wiped away from hard surfaces, but they can also settle into soft fabrics, where they are not so easily removed. Top sources of indoor allergens then include:
- Soft furniture
- Pets
- Wall-to-wall carpet
- Bedding and old pillows
- Stuffed toys
Certain indoor plants and damp areas also tend to harbor allergens and can decrease indoor air quality.
Use Air Purifiers
Among the most straightforward solutions at your disposal is an air purifier device. These units come in a variety of shapes and sizes that make it easy to fit them into your space. They capture allergens and remove them from your air supply. A model with a HEPA filter is your best bet for trapping the widest selection of contaminants. If you do purchase or install an air purifier, be sure to regularly change the filters to ensure you get the full impact of the device.
Control Humidity Levels
High humidity is an ideal habitat for mold and mildew, which are both intense allergy triggers. Try to keep home humidity levels between 30% and 50% for a comfortable experience. Use dehumidifiers and exhaust fans to keep the humidity levels within this acceptable range.
Get Some Indoor House Plants
Although we mentioned how some house plants are a source of allergens, there is also a set of plants that help naturally detoxify the air in your abode. Plants originating from moldy soil or that have high pollen production should be avoided. However, species like spider plants, peace lilies, and snake plants can enhance air quality while providing some flair to your decor.
Properly Maintain Your HVAC System
One of the main pillars of your HVAC system is keeping your air quality clean. Of course, it needs to be in top shape to do this job effectively. Consistent and regular heating and AC maintenance not only improve the longevity of your system but also ensure your indoor air quality remains solid. Changing your air filters every one to two months will serve you quite well over the long term, especially if you have multiple pets moving about. For more complex maintenance procedures, calling an expert team is highly recommended. We would be happy to look over your HVAC in full detail to ensure it is operating at full strength.
How to Reduce the Presence of Allergens as Much as Possible
Your best defense against allergens of all types is to reduce the likelihood of them infiltrating your home environment. While some irritants will always be present due to the natural state of the world, you can mitigate most issues that pose health risks in sensitive people. The effect of each of these solutions adds up quickly when you use them in conjunction with each other.
Vacuum at Least Once a Week
Although you may forget to vacuum regularly, this simple task makes a significant impact on the total allergen count in your home. For best results, use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter. If you have trouble remembering, set an alarm on your phone during the most convenient time of the week.
Use Zippered Allergen-Resistant Covers
Your pillows, mattresses, and box springs attract dirt mites like magnets. Proper covering is even more effective than air cleaners for keeping allergy symptoms at bay. Wash uncovered pillows, bedding, and stuffed toys at least once per week. The key is to use high temperatures to eliminate as much debris as possible. The hot water should exceed 130 degrees Fahrenheit, and your dryer should be set to the highest heat setting for these items.
Remove Sources of Pet Dander
A very common misconception is that pet allergies are caused by fur or feathers. The reaction is actually caused by the allergenic properties of skin cells shed by your animals. While some species have fewer allergenic proteins than others, it may be wise to avoid animal companions altogether if your symptoms persist.
If you already have furry friends at home, you can mitigate their allergenic effect with some clever planning. Be sure to always close your bedroom door before going out to prevent pets from shedding where you sleep. Since animal allergens stick to everything they come into contact with, make sure you wash toys and animal bedding regularly as well. You can also cover your ducts with cheesecloth or a similar material to prevent further spreading of irritants through your home.
Wear a Mask When Cleaning or Grooming
Wearing a mask during housework or while cutting your pet’s hair is a fantastic way to keep allergens away from your mouth and nose. Use a cloth with special dusting polish to get the most out of your cleaning sessions. Allergy sufferers may need to leave the house for a few hours after cleaning to help keep allergy symptoms to a minimum.
Replace or Remove Carpeting
Despite your consistent cleaning efforts, residual allergen particles can still cling to your carpeting material. Over time, the buildup of these irritants makes allergy symptoms harder to stave off. Replacing your carpet every five to 15 years is a good metric to start with. Major changes, like no longer having a household pet, serve as excellent opportunities to switch to something cleaner. In extreme cases where allergies won’t go away, completely removing the carpets in your home may be worth considering.
At Anderson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric, we don’t settle for anything less than your complete satisfaction. Since 1982, we have worked with many happy customers in Menor, OH and the surrounding communities of the Greater Cleveland area. Our work comes with guarantees of prompt, friendly, and thorough HVAC service.
Everything we install or repair is tested rigorously to ensure it works as intended before we leave your home. In addition to our indoor air quality improvement methods, our team offers extensive heating, cooling, and plumbing services as well. Your search for a reliable team and exceptional HVAC service is finally over.
To improve your indoor air quality in the Greater Cleveland area, give Anderson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric a call today!
