Summer is supposed to mean sunshine, vacation, and family time. It’s not supposed to mean allergies. Unfortunately, summer heat and humidity encourage the organisms that produce allergy symptoms.
Common sense says that if most of your allergy triggers are outside, the solution should be staying in. Sometimes, however, the air inside can be worse for your allergies than what’s outside. Here are some ways you can reduce allergy triggers.
Understand Indoor Air Pollution
The EPA lists indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental health risks. Common pollutants include:
- Dust
- Smoke
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Bacteria
Take Control of Indoor Allergens
Once you’ve identified the source, you can take steps to remove the allergens. Keep surfaces clean. Carpet provides a place for dust mites to feed and breed, so eliminate it if you can. Wash or vacuum rugs regularly. Put allergen-resistant covers on your pillows and mattresses to reduce dust mite exposure. Reduce mold by using dehumidifiers and eliminating sources of moisture.
If you have pet allergies, but you love your pets too much not to keep them, don’t let them in your bedroom.
Have Your HVAC System Serviced
Your home is built to be energy-efficient. It’s a sealed system, so any allergens that get inside stay trapped unless you take steps to remove them. Replace air filters at least every two months.
Clean Around Your Air Conditioning Units
You know leaves and debris pile up around your outdoor unit, but have you checked around the inside one? That closet often contains the dust that can get into the system and be distributed throughout your home.
Ventilate and Clean Your Air with an Indoor Air Purification System
Air purification systems clean the air and remove contaminants from every room of your home. They remove germs and bacteria that otherwise would be free to circulate. They also remove pet and cooking odors, so your house isn’t just healthier, it smells better.
Kill Germs with Germicidal Lights
Attach these to your air handler to kill mold and bacteria with ultraviolet energy. This innovation is a game-changer for many allergy sufferers.
Have Your Ductwork Evaluated
Mold can grow on the sheet metal in your ducts. Rodents and insects can infiltrate the system. Sometimes ducts become clogged with dust and blowing air from the a/c or furnace transmits that throughout your home. You can’t see what’s going on inside, but a professional can access the ducts and tell you if they need to be cleaned.
The experts at TS Heat & Air know how to keep the air in your home breathable and safe. We provide regular maintenance to keep your system running at its best. We also install some of the best air purification systems on the market. Contact us today to find out more.
