Get A Handle On Allergy & Asthma Triggers In Your Home
Even during fall and winter, allergy and asthma triggers can cause issues for people. While you may consider your home safe from outside triggers, there’s still a host of things inside that can send you running for the tissues. Thankfully, there are things you can do to limit the impact of allergy triggers in your home. Just follow these tips from LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating and breathe more comfortably all season long!
When you need HVAC service, you can depend on the professionals at LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating. Contact our HVAC company today to find out more or schedule an indoor air quality appointment.
Get Dust Under Control
While eradicating dust completely is simply impossible, staying on top of not just cleaning it but addressing the sources of dust can keep asthma triggers in check. While dust is created from a few different sources, the biggest culprits are dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that feed on the dead skin cells that we shed naturally every day. They live in furniture, bedding, carpeting, rugs, stuffed animals, and virtually any other fabric where they can burrow.
While you can’t stop shedding skin, you can control the amount available to dust mites. Combat dust with regular cleanings, such as washing your bed sheets in hot water once a week and frequently dusting with a wet cloth to trap particles rather than just move them around. It can also be helpful to use a full, zippered mattress cover. Limit the amount of carpeting in your home when possible and regularly vacuum any carpets you cannot remove.
Reduce Exposure
Besides dust, there are other triggers that factor into allergy and asthma attacks. Smoke, whether from cigarettes or cooking, is a big culprit. If you’re cooking something likely to produce smoke, such as foods with high-fat content, make sure to use the exhaust fan over your cooking range to help the smoke dissipate. Also, keep your home secure from outside pollen and other allergy triggers by keeping windows shut and properly insulating windows and door frames.
While you love your furry buddy, your body may not love the allergens that they produce. If you know that you’re allergic to certain pets, consider adopting a hypo-allergenic pet to stop allergic triggers. Keeping pets off furniture is also an excellent way to limit exposure. However, if you’re experiencing multiple allergic reactions and you’ve ruled out other causes through allergy testing, it may be time to find a new home for your pet. While this is a last resort, it will be better for both of you if allergies are stopping you from enjoying each other’s company.
Filter Your Air
Your HVAC system provides basic air filtration, but changing the filter frequently so the system can work effectively is crucial. Depending on where you live, how many people live in your home, and the number of pets you have, change your air filter every 30-90 days. Also, use a filter with the correct MERV rating. If you’re not sure what’s right for your system, contact a professional HVAC company to help you determine what’s best.
If you’re suffering from frequent allergy or asthma attacks, the HVAC air filtration may not be enough. In-duct air purifiers are easy to install with regular HVAC service and can provide an extra indoor air quality level. Standalone air purifiers can also be helpful when used in rooms that you frequent. For more information on our indoor air quality services, contact LIBERTYAIR Air Conditioning & Heating today to schedule an appointment and start breathing easier in your home!