Indoor Air Quality and Allergies
Spring is on the way! For some, this also means allergy season is on the way too. It’s not just the yellow dust coating your car that you should be worried about; the changing season can also mean increased allergies in your Atlanta home.
Your home may seem like a safe escape from the cause of your runny nose, itchy eyes and scratchy throat, but there are likely far more allergens inside of your home than outside of it.
Outside allergens such as pollen make their way inside and mix with house dust, both of which are then trapped inside your house, making you and your family sick.
How To Protect Yourself From Indoor Allergies
Household Allergens
Despite how clean it may appear on the surface, every home contains allergens in the form of house dust. House dust is a combination of plant and soil particles, particles of human and animal skin and hair, dust mites, fragments of insects and insect waste, mold spores, food particles and other debris.
Chronic indoor allergies are usually a reaction to dust mites, pet dander, insect waste and mold, all of which can cause serious health problems over time. Mold in particular can cause headaches, sinus infections and mental illness.
Keeping up with housekeeping tasks such as vacuuming regularly, washing bedding weekly and encasing mattresses with allergen-proof covers will help reduce allergens in your home, but to maintain a clean air environment, extra steps should be taken.
Unit Maintenance
Discover where your air filter is located and change it once every 30-90 days, depending on the type of filter you use. If you’re unsure, contact the manufacturer.
Have your heating and air conditioning units inspected once a year. Regular inspections will ensure that your units are functioning properly and that dust and other debris aren’t slowing your system down and degrading your air quality.
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers help remove allergens from the air, but not all are created equal. Pay attention to the recommended room size when purchasing an air purifier and read customer reviews before making your choice.
Many HVAC companies offer hassle-free, whole house air purification options. This is an especially good thing to consider for homes with young children or people with weakened immune systems.
Air Duct and Vent Cleaning
Over time dust and debris collect in air ducts and on vents. Vacuuming vents regularly will help prevent excessive accumulation, but professional duct cleaning is the only way to remove the dust and debris completely.
Unit Replacement
If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work, or if you have neglected maintenance for too long, you may need to replace your heating and air conditioning unit. Dust and debris accumulation can force your unit to work harder for the same result, costing you money and reducing your system’s lifetime.
Additionally, leaks in your unit may pull allergens from outside into your home, where they get trapped. If you have to purchase a new unit, set up a regular maintenance schedule at the time of installation to help preserve your unit and extend the use of your system.