In a perfect world, fall means getting bundled up in a sweater and enjoying a brisk autumn day. But, for some of us, that brisk day may be accompanied with a runny nose and itchy eyes. That’s right, fall allergies are on their way. Some of the most prevalent fall allergies are ragweed and mold. We want to make sure you and your home are prepared and proactive to make certain your home is a clean and healthy environment. Here are some tips to help keep indoor allergen levels to a minimum during the upcoming months.
Replace your filters
This is a simple and easy task that people often forget about. Changing the air filters in your home routinely will ensure a clean indoor environment. This is especially true since their primary job is to help remove airborne particles such as dust and pollen. It is recommended that you change your filter every 20-45 days. However, if you experience allergies or someone in your home has them, a more frequent change may be in order. And remember: when in doubt, just take a look and see if it looks clogged or excessively dirty.
Vacuum regularly
Picking up dust and bacteria with the help of a vacuum cleaner can help keep your home allergy-proof. It is recommended that you vacuum your home twice a week. Start with the highest levels of your home first and then work down to the floor. Using vacuum attachments can also be a handy way to clean furniture and hard to reach places. Also, don’t forget to vacuum large objects like your bookshelf, curtains, and couch cushions. These items can be magnets for dust and dander.
Purchase a humidifier
One way to help ease triggers of fall allergies can be by purchasing having a humidifier. Humidifiers can improve your indoor air quality by increasing the moisture in the air. As you begin to rely more and more on your furnace, the air in your home will get drier and drier. This exacerbates the worst of your indoor allergy symptoms. A healthy home is somewhere between 40 and 50 percent humidity.
There are other ways to tell if you may need a humidifier such as:
- Static shock
- Dry/itchy skin
- Nose bleeds
- Chapped lips
- Persistent coughs
- Gaps in wood flooring
- Cracks in wood furniture or molding
If these are persistent problems for you and your home during the fall season consider purchasing a whole house humidifier; or maybe invest in a smaller unit for your bedroom, living room or wherever you spend most of your time.
Consider a UV Light or Air Scrubber
At A/C Masters we offer a few different types of filtration systems, such as the Patriot Carbon. This advanced, whole-house air purifier uses UV-C light to help combat odors caused by VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds), such as formaldehyde. These chemicals can arise from a variety of sources inside your home. They can have a number of detrimental health effects if left undetected. The Patriot Carbon is also designed to deactivate or kill many common viruses, mold spores, bacteria, and even pollen. This means you and your family will breathe easier this fall.
To hear more about how to help keep your home allergy-free this fall give us a call at 757-898-2894! Schedule an appointment online at acmasters.com.
