Those who suffer from seasonal allergies have to be more mindful of the air they breathe in. The changes of the seasons are going to happen, and so are the allergies that come with those changes for some. While there is medication to ease symptoms, there are also several non-medication steps an allergy sufferer can take. When you are outdoors, you have to brave the elements. Indoors, however, you have control over the air quality. At HB Home Service Team, we specialize in helping our customers to achieve the healthiest indoor air quality possible. Here are some ways to ease seasonal allergies by improving your indoor air quality.
Wash and Clean
One way to improve your home’s indoor air quality is to wash and clean on a regular basis. By frequently cleaning the surfaces in your house, you are preventing the accumulation of dust, particles, and VOCs. You should complete a simple dusting at least once a week. You are also encouraged to vacuum every few days. When you clean, you disturb the particles that have become comfortable in your home. Cleaning is one way to get rid of at least a portion of those particles.
Washing is also important. Washing your bedding on a regular basis should be a priority. Bedding that you cannot wash consistently should at least be changed. So, it is a good idea to have an extra set of bed pillows, sheets, and blankets handy.
If there are throw rugs, washable decorative items, and curtains in your residence, you are encouraged to wash them in hot water at least once a month. If you use blinds for your windows, ensure that you are wiping them down with a microfiber cloth on a regular basis.
The Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the rooms where large amounts of moisture is created. This makes it a prime area where bacteria, mold, and other particles that are alive can grow. Some people’s allergies are caused by pollen. Others experience seasonal allergies due to mold and bacteria. In order to ease your allergies, therefore, your focus should be on minimizing or eliminating the number of allergens that are living in your home with you. The sink, tub, and shower should be scrubbed on a monthly basis. The rest of the bathroom should be cleaned frequently, too.
The Bedroom
If you sleep eight hours a night, it means that you spend at least one-third of your day in your bedroom. While you are sleeping, the particles and allergens floating in the air are landing on you as well as on your bedding. You are also breathing them in, and since you are sleeping, those particles are finding their way deep into your lungs. This makes washing and changing the bedding on a regular basis more important. You should also be dusting and vacuuming at regular intervals. Industry professionals recommend covering pillows, the mattress, and box spring with dust-mite proof covers for best results. When you wash your bedding, use hot water for the best results.
Pets
You love your pet, and to you, your pet is probably a member of your family. Pet dander, however, is known to contribute to seasonal allergies for some individuals. Your pet’s dander floats in the air just like other particles and allergens do. The dander will find its way onto your home’s surfaces, including tables, furniture, and counters. Ensuring that you frequently brush your pet is one way to prevent excessive dander. Be sure that your pet is groomed on a regular basis, too. If this does not help, you may have to designate some spaces in your home as pet-free zones. There are individuals who make their bedroom and especially their bed off-limits to their pets.
HVAC Maintenance
The importance of regular HVAC maintenance cannot be overstated. Maintenance gives professionals like ourselves the opportunity to clean up the unit. Our team changes the air filter, removes debris, and cleans off the parts of the system. An inspection helps to restore the equipment as close to its manufacturer settings as possible. This extends the lifespan of the unit. At the very least, it helps the machine to reach its intended lifespan. A well-working HVAC system helps to keep the indoor air quality healthy as well. It blows cleaner air instead of dust, allergens, and other particles.
If your HVAC system consists of ductwork, we recommend our duct cleaning service. We will clean all of the vents as well as the registers. Clean ducts have shown to improve indoor air quality and save up to 15% in energy costs by improving the system’s efficiency.
Living Area
To keep dust, allergens, and other particles that cause your seasonal allergies to flare up, conventional wisdom would dictate that you keep the windows closed. While it is true that opening the windows allows particles from the outside to enter, you also want to make sure that fresh air is allowed to enter your residence. The houses of today are built to maximize energy efficiency; they are like a sealed box. You do need to allow the indoor air to circulate, though, so that it does not become stale. When you open the windows, you simply want to make sure that you clean on a consistent basis, too.
If you and your family spend several hours in the living area, ensure that you are vacuuming the area at least once a week. To maximize the vacuuming, you may want to use a machine that has a HEPA air filter.
HVAC System Add-Ons
Your HVAC system should not lower the quality of your home’s indoor air. The system is designed to keep you comfortable when you are inside. It can help to improve the indoor air when the ventilation is free of dust, allergen, and other particles. There are other products and devices that you can combine with your HVAC system to help improve the quality of your house’s indoor air. A humidification system, for example, provides relief for those who experience dry skin, itchy eyes, and sore throats when the air is dry. An air purifier is another option.
Air purifiers are available in a variety of sizes and models from a number of brands. One can be placed in every room if you desire. Many individuals place a purifier in their bedroom. The living room is another popular choice. If you have children, their bedroom should have one as well. Whole-home air filtration systems also exist. The best air purifiers can capture and eliminate over 50% of the particles floating in the air. Others can capture and eliminate at least 50%. UV-Aire in-duct air purifiers are good for targeting bacteria, spores, and mold that want to grow inside of your HVAC system. Two-stage air purifiers target bacteria, viruses, and mold as well as fungi in addition to odors and VOCs.To receive more information that will help you to improve your home’s indoor air quality, call HB Home today. We also offer emergency repair services, plumbing solutions, and HVAC services.