Some people harbor allergies and asthma their whole lives. But one in six adults develops issues later in life. These allergies can develop from contact with a new food, exposure to pollutants or poor indoor air quality. Often when people are seeking to understand what causes their allergies, they overlook the allergens that are right under their noses. Here are four ways you can reduce allergens in your Neptune Beach, Florida, home:
Clean Often
As you know, dust and hair can build up in the corners of even the cleanest home. Even if you dust every week or two, you could be kicking up allergens that trigger respiratory issues. Rather than moving the dust from the shelf to the floor or into the air, use an electrostatic or a microfiber cloth to ensure you collect everything and put it in the trash.
It can be challenging for people with allergies to have any carpeting at all. But if you do, make sure you vacuum with a HEPA filter. A HEPA filter is meant to catch all the dust particles, pet dander and dust mites that could be in the air. Dust will move around while you vacuum. Wear a dust mask if you have allergies or worry about your respiratory health.
Hardwood floors combined with washable area rugs are the best option for people with allergies. That way, you can see the dirt and dust as it collects. Then, you can perform a deep cleaning on your carpets when they look like they’re covered in dust.
Replace Filters
When you turn on the air conditioning for the first time, you’ll get some of the most intense dust blowing around imaginable. With all kinds of dust lingering in your air ducts, you need to prepare for the gusts of allergens to come.
You can prevent harmful allergens from circulating in your home by changing your air filter regularly. You should change your HVAC system’s filter every 90 days. If you suffer from severe allergies or asthma, change it every 30 days.
Wash Linens
Your pillows, comforters, mattress or even the carpet beneath your bed could be covered with dust mites. While it might sound terrible, dust mites are just part of the ecosystem of super small creatures that live off the dust we create.
To keep their numbers down, change your sheets as often as possible. Washing your sheets and pillowcases in hot water with an allergy-free detergent can be a great solution to your problems.
Balance Humidity
You need to keep an eye on the humidity level in your home all year. Air that’s too humid causes you to feel uncomfortable and promotes biological growth to propagate in the wetter areas of your home. You can combat high humidity, though. Use a whole-home dehumidifier to balance humidity levels between 40 and 60 percent in your home.
If you want to provide an allergy-free home for you and your family, you need to learn where dust could be coming from. By diligently changing air filters or cleaning out every device that moves air in your home, you can ensure a comfortable internal air quality. With great IAQ, you’re able to provide your family a happy and healthy quality of life.
If you’re worried that poor air quality in your home, contact Ocean State Air Conditioning & Heating at (904) 574-5619. Whether you want to schedule duct cleaning or invest in one of our IAQ products, we can help you reduce allergens and help you breathe easier at home. Our team of HVAC experts is standing by to make sure you’re living in a comfortable and healthy home.
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