How to Allergy-Proof Your Home
For some people, seasonal and environmental allergies are nothing more than a nuisance. For others, they can be down-right debilitating. The sniffling, sneezing, watery eyes, and wheezing can make even the simplest of tasks a bear to manage. And while allergy medications can help alleviate symptoms, they can leave you feeling drowsy and groggy – not exactly the recipe for performing at your best.
Whether your trigger is dust, mold, pollen, ragweed or some other allergen, here’s how to allergy-proof your home and get some much-needed relief.
Replace air conditioning and furnace filters regularly. A filter is your home’s first line of defense against indoor allergens and pollutants. As such, it should be replaced roughly every 6 – 8 weeks to prevent dirty, stale air from being frequently recycled. Regular filter cleaning and replacement also will improve AC and furnace performance.
Keep a regular cleaning schedule. Vacuuming, mopping, and dusting at least once a week go a long way to eliminating dirt, dust, pet dander, and more. Dust with a damp cloth to pick up dust instead of moving it around, and use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter.
Leave shoes at the door. Pollen, pesticides, chemicals, and dirt all hitch a ride on the soles of our shoes. If you don’t remove shoes at the front door, you’re tracking all that “stuff” into your living and breathing spaces. Make your home a “no shoe” zone to keep your indoor surfaces and air fresh and clean.
Keep humidity in check. Whether it’s running a vent fan in the bathroom during and after a shower, using a dehumidifier in a damp, musty basement, or fixing plumbing leaks promptly, removing excess moisture from the air will help prevent mold buildup and make for a more comfortable living environment.
Eliminate underbed clutter. This often overlooked area can harbor a lot of dust, leading to coughing, sneezing, and restless sleep. Avoid storing items under the bed and vacuum the area frequently.
Rethink your décor. Carpet, area rugs, heavy drapes, and other upholstered items hold onto to allergens and pollutants that can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Consider vinyl, tile, or hardwood flooring materials and easy-to-clean window treatments.
When it comes to improving indoor air quality, Correct Temp has much to offer. One of our most popular solutions is an in-duct HEPA air purifier that rids your indoor air of 99.97% of airborne germs, dirt, viruses, pet dander, and literally hundreds of other pollutants. Contact us today to learn more about purifying your family’s indoor air.