While you think that your home is a safe and healthy place to live in, invisible allergens may be floating around in your home and making you sick!
The biggest threat to your home’s indoor quality and your family’s wellbeing is the presence of allergens. The signs of indoor allergens manifest themselves in the form of minor health issues such as nasal congestion, watery or itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, and many inflammatory conditions. But over time, these issues may aggravate into asthmatic symptoms, including wheezing or difficulty in breathing, particularly in children or severe allergy sufferers.
Some common allergy triggers found in our indoor spaces include:
• Pollens
• Animal dander
• Dust and dust mites
• Insect stings
• Mold
• Latex
• Cockroaches
• Cigarette residues
• Dirty ductworks of your HVAC unit
Allergens are carried into your home through the air and can be found everywhere. It is almost impossible to eliminate all kinds of allergens from your home. But with a regular and thorough cleaning, you can reduce the growth of allergens and eliminate the conditions helping them grow and thrive.
1. Get Rid Of The Dust
Most common allergy triggers thrive in the dust. So you must punctually perform the daily dusting chore. But remember not to scatter the dust particles in the air as you dust off the surfaces. Use a damp or treated cloth that gathers or attracts dust particles instead of letting them scatter. Also, declutter your home to avoid excessive dust accumulation.
2. Vacuum To Clear Out Allergens
Vacuum your carpets and upholstered furniture at least twice to control allergens. Just remember, likewise dusting, certain vacuums with poor filters tend to throw off dust particles into the air. The best choice of vacuum for you is the one with a HEPA filter that traps the finest of particles and prevents them from spreading.
3. Control Pet Dander
The saliva, urine, and dead skin flakes of your pets carry allergen particles that can trigger allergic symptoms in sensitive people. By regularly bathing your pets and vacuuming the home, you can control these allergens from spreading. Also, make sure to keep your pets out of your bedrooms and kitchen.
4. Prevent Mold Growth
Damp areas such as bathroom, kitchen, and basement of your home can lead to the problem of mold growth. Like pollen and dust mites, mold spores can become airborne and trigger allergic symptoms. Consider tiling the walls or painting them with mold-resistant paint to eliminate mold growth. Also, make sure to run the exhaust fan after every shower and wipe the shower or bathtub dry yourself using a towel. Scrub away mold growth on any surfaces and get rid of mold-infested carpeting in your home. Use a high-efficiency dehumidifier in the basement to keep the area dry, and clean the walls if you spot any growth.
5. Keep Pollens Out
Most plants emit pollens during the early morning hours. Always change clothes and take a shower to get rid of any pollen you may have collected during your morning walks. Always dry your laundry inside to avoid pollens and molds from settling on them. Don’t forget to keep your doors and windows shut, especially at nights, to prevent pollens from entering your home.
6. Exterminate Cockroaches
Cockroach droppings have a potent allergen in the form of a protein that can trigger symptoms in some people. Always store food in air-tight containers and responsibly dispose of food garbage. Do deep cleaning once a week to get rid of any cockroach waste lying in the hard-to-access areas of your home. Call a professional exterminator if the problem gets serious.
7. Change Filters & Clean Ductworks
Dirty filters and ductwork can trap and circulate allergy-causing particles in your home. So check your filters and change them once every month. Also, get an HVAC professional to inspect your ductwork regularly to ensure that your heating and cooling system is circulating fresh air.
8. Run Humidity Controllers & Air Purifiers Inside The Home
While little moisture in the air can cause the allergy-causing particles to float easily, excess moisture can result in mold growth. That’s why you should always maintain an optimal level of moisture in your home. Ask your HVAC specialist to help you choose the right humidifier or dehumidifier depending on the conditions of your home. Air purifiers may not directly reduce allergens, but using one with a HEPA filter can help you maintain a pleasant environment in your home.
Does your heating and air conditioning unit need a thorough cleaning? Or do you need a high-efficiency air purifier for your home? Mid Atlantic Heating & Cooling is an EPA approved HVAC company, serving homeowners in Virginia. We provide the best solutions to keep your indoor environment healthy and comfortable in all seasons.
