
In a perfect world, there should be no airborne allergens in your home. Everybody should be able to breathe clean, fresh air without worrying about allergy triggers. But this is not a perfect world. This season is known for the release of pollen, causing countless people to suffer from hay fever and spring allergies. Sadly, there is no permanent cure for allergies. However, there are practical ways you can employ to minimize your risk of allergic reactions.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your total HVAC company in St. Louis Park MN. We are experts at establishing clean indoor air in residences and workplaces.
Overview
According to research, 8 out of 10 people in the United States are exposed to dust and 6 out of 10 people are exposed to cat or dog dander. Also, cockroaches cause allergic reactions in those who live in downtown areas or southern parts of the country. These studies are sufficient reasons for you to take your indoor air quality to a state where you can effectively fight off airborne allergens. With that in mind, here are some steps you can take.
Clean your house regularly.
Most homeowners dust off their homes at least once weekly. However, many fail to wipe their HVAC vents and registers. These vents transport forced air from your HVAC system, collecting dust. This is then circulated throughout your home via your furnace or heat pump. You should first gather the dust in every room, using damp or treated rags when dusting your home to keep it from picking up mites and other dust particles that can trigger allergic reactions. Keeping your home clean is an effective way to fight allergies.
Be on top of dust mites.
Keeping your home clean is a step toward controlling indoor allergens. So, keep surfaces clean and tidy. In your bedroom, try to have bare floors and walls. If possible, avoid wall-to-wall carpets, and if you really want to have carpeting, use low-pile carpets or washable throw rugs. If you can, avoid heavy drapes and overstuffed fabric furniture as well. To effectively protect yourself against dust mites, wash your bedding, uncovered pillows, and stuffed toys in water at a minimum of 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry them in a hot dryer.
Consider duct cleaning.
You may not realize it, but your air ducts are another source of allergens in your home. Your home’s ventilation system and duct network usually run through the attic, basements, and crawlspaces—areas that are rarely cleaned. If your ducts are old, leaking, or have cracks, they can suck in air from these areas. Your HVAC system then pumps the air directly into your living spaces, further casting allergens that are normally found in the dirtiest parts of your home.
Duct cleaning and maintenance should be entrusted to a qualified HVAC professional. If you think there are issues within your ductwork, call a trained technician who will inspect and seal them off. Maintaining your ducts is a great way to ensure your HVAC system does not circulate airborne.
Upgrade your air filter.
Your HVAC system is equipped with an air filter to keep pollen, pet dander, and other airborne pollutants at bay. Your regular filter should be kept clean to ensure its potency. However, you can improve your home’s indoor air quality by upgrading to a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. These types of filters are known to capture up to 99.97 percent of airborne contaminants, including allergens. You might want to contact your preferred HVAC contractor to determine the right high-grade filter for your existing unit.
Use a whole-home humidifier.
Maintaining a healthy indoor air quality not only involves house cleaning or vacuuming; it also requires making sure your home is properly humidified. The cool mist released by a humidifier helps invigorate the body and clear up the congestion in the nasal cavity. That’s why you should consider running one if you have someone suffering from sinusitis.
Protect Your Family with Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
Airborne allergies can be prevented. By following these steps, you can increase your level of protection and have peace of mind. For best results, give us a call and we’ll give you more information on how to give your family the best protection against airborne allergy triggers. We are your trusty Fridley heating and air conditioning company.