The home should be a space to relax and find refuge from the stressful outside world. If you suffer from indoor allergies, you may find yourself suffering from headaches and a stuffy nose when you are inside. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to dramatically reduce your sensitivities to seasonal pollen, house dust and animal dander. Below are some of the most common culprits of indoor allergies.
Leaving the Windows Open
During the pollen season, consider using the air conditioning rather than keeping windows open for fresh air. Using the air conditioning can significantly reduce the amount of pollen you breathe in by up to one third.
Keeping Shoes on in the House
Many allergens are tracked indoors on our shoes. Remove your shoes at the doorway and wipe off your pet’s paws with a clean towel to eliminate tracking in unnecessary allergens.
Air Conditioning is Not Working Properly
Make sure your air conditioner is in excellent working order before temperatures get hot. To be sure you are getting the best performance possible from your AC unit, clean and maintain the air conditioner regularly. Keep the filter clean to cut down on indoor dust and mold. Air conditioning not only removes excess moisture from the air but also filters out pollen and other allergens. The compressor on the central air conditioning unit should be cleaned and inspected annually. This will save energy and money by keeping the unit functioning optimally. If the air conditioner is not cooling well, energy is wasted. Have the cooling system inspected annually by a qualified air conditioning repair company, such as All American Air & Electric, Inc.
House Dust
House dust consists of dried food particles, mold, fibers from fabric and pet dander. Dust mites thrive on moisture, darkness, and warmth, making the bedroom ideal. Dust mites are a likely culprit for indoor allergies. Dust mite waste contributes to high allergen levels in the home. Vacuuming and dusting do not get rid of dust mites. Eliminate items in the home such as upholstered furniture, dried flower arrangements, carpeting and other dust collecting items. Wash all bedding including pillowcases and blankets weekly.
Pet Dander
The dander is more likely to cause allergic reactions than the pet’s fur or hair. Bathe your pet weekly to remove dead skin particles. Cats and dogs are the likeliest triggers. Consider keeping your pet restricted to certain areas of the house.
Dealing with indoor allergies can make it difficult to do everyday tasks. By knowing the source, you can take necessary steps to prevent allergies. These are just a few of the common sources of indoor allergies you should know about.
