Soon cold weather will start keeping you inside more often. Please remember that many of the worst allergens are found inside your home. If you have allergies or asthma, your first step is to keep your home as free of allergens as possible. You might also want to consider a whole-house air filter and a better quality furnace filter. Here are a few of the allergy triggers to minimize in your home.
Dust Mites
The most common allergen is dust mites. These microscopic insects eat skin flakes. They are most commonly found in soft furniture and bedding, but can be found anywhere with a humid climate. Minimize dust mites by covering your box springs, mattress and pillows in allergen proof bedding.
Pets
Pet dander can cause allergy symptoms in people who are susceptible. Not everyone who has pet allergies is allergic to every breed. There are no dogs that are considered hypoallergenic, but some breeds produce less dander.
Mold
Damp, dark environments are where indoor mold grows. You will usually find it in bathtubs, showers and basements. If you are allergic, do not sleep in a basement and consider using tile instead of carpet for flooring in finished basements.
Cockroaches
Allergens are found in the feces and saliva of cockroaches. If you see one, or even evidence of them, you probably have many. Hiring a professional exterminator is the only effective way to get rid of them.
Pollen
Pollen can enter your home on your clothes, shoes and on pets. Take your shoes off when you enter your home, change and shower before bed, and wipe pets down when they come in from the outside. A HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter can help keep pollen out of your home.
Cigarettes
Cigarette smoke is not an allergen, but it can irritate people with allergies and asthma. Do not smoke in your home or car. Children are especially susceptible to cigarette smoke, so this is even more important if you have children.
For more information on protecting yourself from allergens and other home comfort issues in the Twin Cities Metro Area, please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning Co.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about allergy triggers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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