Though we’re enjoying milder temperatures in the spring, this season causes asthma and allergy cases to rise. As flower, weeds, and trees, grass, and other plants start to bloom, they let loose pollen into the air, which is the most obvious allergy trigger during spring.
Having this in mind, Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning lists down helpful tips on how to improve your indoor air quality during the allergy season. We are your trusted HVAC company in Blaine MN.
Clean your house regularly.
A clean house is definitely a healthier house than a filthy one. Your cleaning efforts should zero in on strategies to minimize the buildup of mold, dirt, dust, and particles in your home.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt on your carpets and rugs. Do this at least twice a week with a vacuum cleaner that is packed with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
Be sure to regularly change your beddings, drapes, and other items that attract allergens. This is particularly important if you’re living with household pets. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, washing your beddings in water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit is an effective way to cleanse them. Also, consider using dust mite-proof pillow covers and mattresses.
You can also cut back on allergens in your home is to choose hard-surface flooring instead of wall-to-wall carpeting.
Replace your HVAC air filters periodically.
Not only does a dirty air filter affect your comfort and your HVAC system’s efficiency, but it also fails to collect dirt and debris, which are then circulated throughout your home.
Changing your filter ensures a cleaner, fresher, healthier indoor air. This is necessary for everyone in your home, especially if you have children, the elderly, or those who suffer from respiratory ailments like asthma. A clean air filter means you are not circulating dust, mites, and pollen in the air. This enables your system to purify the air, leaving it healthy and clean.
Depending on your HVAC system, filters should be changed or cleaned on a monthly basis. To ensure optimum filtration, invest in a filter that has a minimum MERV 7 efficiency rating.
Improve your home’s ventilation.
Every home needs proper ventilation to achieve good indoor air quality. Unfortunately, more and more homes are built to be airtight, which prevents the proper exchange of indoor and outdoor air. There should be a good circulation of outdoor air into your home to dilute harmful contaminants. Without proper ventilation, the air becomes stuffy, there’s too much moisture, and mold and mildew begin to thrive in your home.
To properly ventilate your home, invest in a ventilation system, which adds the proper amount of fresh air from the outside to the indoor air. A ventilation system uses ducts and fans to draw in and circulate fresh air throughout your home. It can also let out air from certain areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. A ventilation system improves your comfort level, makes your HVAC system more efficient, prevents condensation, and cleans your indoor air. As a result, your home becomes a much safer place to live in.
Use a UV lamp.
The inside of your air conditioner is a breeding ground for mold and other microorganisms. UV lamps use ultraviolet light tuned to a specific wavelength to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants at the source. Ultraviolet lights obstruct the reproductive cycles of mold spores, which significantly reduces mold and mildew buildup in your home. A UV light in your HVAC system will lower the presence of mold, bacteria and other microorganisms that trigger or worsen allergies and respiratory illnesses.
Use steam cleaners.
Vapor steam cleaners disinfect and eliminate bacteria much better than conventional clothes or sponges that can transfer pollutants. These cleaning devices are some of the most effective ways to improve your indoor air quality. For better results, equip your cleaner with a HEPA filter that can remove up to 99.97 percent of allergens in a given space.
Questions? Call the Indoor Air Quality Experts
For more information on how to improve your home’s indoor air quality, contact Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning. We will answer your questions and make appropriate recommendations to help you make an informed decision. We are your top Columbia Heights and air conditioning company that cares about your health.