Spring brings forth wonderful temperatures, rebirth, and unfortunately, a world of pain for allergy sufferers. With pollen, ragweed, and other allergens floating through the air, it causes your allergies to flare up, preventing you from enjoying the experience. However, there’s a way to make your Highland Park, Illinois, home a refuge from allergens. If you or a family member suffers from allergies, here are a few ways to remove and prevent allergens in your home.
Change the Air Filter
Air filters help remove contaminants, allergens, and particles from the air in your home. However, even the nicest, most expensive filter doesn’t last more than 90 days. Depending on which filter you have and how much you use your HVAC system, you should change the filter somewhere between the 30 to 90 day threshold. By keeping this filter clean, you promote clean air throughout the home, even when conditions are less than ideal outdoors.
Consider an Air Cleaner
In some homes, an HVAC’s air filter just isn’t enough. You need a finer way to clean the air of allergens. If that describes your situation, it’s time to consider an air cleaner or air purifier. These systems attach to your current HVAC system and use High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filters, which are most commonly found in sterile environments such as hospitals. With a finer filter, air cleaners can trap more allergens than any other method, as well as bacteria, mold, fungi, and viruses.
Buy Some Houseplants
If you’re allergic to pollen and other plant matter, it seems counterintuitive to purchase houseplants. However, there are a select few species that are ideal for allergy sufferers. Not only do these plants clean the air, but they give off such a low amount of allergens that it usually doesn’t affect even the most allergic people. Mums, peace lilies, palms, and dracaena plants are all great species for removing toxins and allergens from the air while promoting the perfect humidity level.
It’s important to note that while these plants help remove allergens from the air, they can actually promote allergens if not cared for correctly. That’s why it’s important to keep up on your plant maintenance. Make sure to wipe down the leaves at least once a week to remove any dust. In addition, don’t water the plants until the top of the soil is dry. If you pour too much water in the pot, it promotes mold growth that becomes detrimental to your health.
Schedule an Indoor Air Quality Test
Another foolproof way to improve air breathability and reduce allergens in the home is by scheduling an indoor air quality test with us. When you set up an appointment, our technician will go through every room and aspect of your home to look for signs of poor indoor air quality. These tests evaluate your home construction, natural ventilation, and other causes for concern. Once we’re done, we’ll give you an accurate picture of your home’s current air quality, as well as provide suggestions on how to improve it.
Improve Your Cleaning
Preventing allergens in the home is far more effective if you keep good cleaning habits. It’s not only about how often you clean, it’s about the methods you use. For example, dust control is a problem for people with allergies. Instead of using a dry rag to wipe down areas, always use a wet rag. This traps dust and prevents it from spewing into the air. Vacuuming regularly also aids in limiting dust.
However, keeping a clean, allergy-free home doesn’t start and stop with dust control. You may also want to change some other habits. Making the transition to green cleaning products limits the number of harsh chemicals in your home, which often limits the number of allergy flare ups. You may also want to wash your bed sheets more often and in hot water. At water temperatures of 130 degrees or hotter, allergens and other bacteria can’t survive, giving you a better level of comfort and breathable air.
Allergies are almost unbearable for many. However, you shouldn’t let that happen in your home. Once you do what you can, it’s time to contact the professionals at Ireland Heating and Air Conditioning Co. for all your indoor air quality needs. Call us today at 847-388-0108.
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