Allergens enter our homes in a variety of ways, including through the ducts of your HVAC system. Here in Augusta, GA, maintaining optimal indoor air quality is essential, especially for those with allergies. With proper home and HVAC maintenance and cleaning, you can reduce indoor allergens and keep your home comfortable.
Regular Cleaning
Dust, pollutants, and debris enter our homes every day. Sometimes they sit for days and make their way into the air we breathe. Although you don’t need to dust and vacuum every day, cleaning on at least a weekly basis will help to keep your allergies from flaring up. Make sure not to use heavy-scented cleaners, and if your allergies are particularly bad, try wearing a mask when you clean.
Use a HEPA Filter
A vacuum with a HEPA filter helps to eliminate allergens like dust mites and pet dander. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, which means that a HEPA filter can trap microscopic particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. These particles can include things like pet dander, pollen, or dust, and the HEPA filter helps to keep them from going back into your environment. A vacuum can sometimes kick dirt and dust around when it’s in use. The HEPA filter helps to trap those particles that the vacuum might miss. It is also recommended you use a HEPA filter for your HVAC system to help reduce the harmful particles and keep your indoor air quality low.
Reduce Humidity
Humidity can be a problem for people with allergies, especially in the summer months. You could use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity, but air that is too dry can cause sinus problems. Try monitoring the humidity levels in your home with a humidity monitor. According to the CDC, you should try to keep your humidity levels below 50 percent. This will help to prevent unhealthy bacterial growth in your home.
Regularly Change Your Bed Sheets
Dust mites are common in bed sheets, pillows, mattresses and other furniture. You can use allergen-proof covers for your pillows, mattress and box spring to help minimize dust mites in your bedroom. Clean your sheets once a week with hot water. Doing so can also help to reduce indoor allergens from making their way into your lungs while you sleep.
Regular HVAC Maintenance
Having your HVAC regularly maintained can help reduce indoor allergens. During maintenance, your specialist will inspect the major components of your HVAC system. They can clean your air ducts if requested and change out your air filters. Also, regularly maintaining your HVAC system means one less worry for your already busy schedule. If you’ve noticed any changes in your indoor air quality or allergies, it might be the right time to schedule HVAC maintenance.
The above tips will help to reduce indoor allergens. Along with regular cleaning and other preventative measures, you can improve the indoor air quality of your home.
