Indoor air quality can be a big contributor to allergies. All summer long, we have had our houses air tight with the air conditioning blasting. As the beautiful days of fall have taken over, perhaps you’ve opened your home’s windows to let in the fresh air. In addition to air, you may have welcomed some pollen and other allergens. To keep your indoor air quality at a better than acceptable level, you’ll want to keep your floors clean and your household surfaces dust-free. Also, it’s important to keep some humidity in the air. Dust mites and mold – two of the most common allergens – thrive on moisture, so if you maintain the humidity in your home at 30-50 percent, it will keep these pesky allergens at bay. Your furnace can have a humidifier or dehumidifier installed on it. You’ll likely use the humidifier in winter months when the house seems dry from the heat, and the dehumidifier in the summer time to help reduce moisture. The right humidity level can control allergens.
Other every day activities and items that can increase good air quality include using an exhaust fan when cooking or bathing to keep the moisture from building up inside the room, and fixing leaky plumbing to avoid a bigger accident. Don’t overwater house plants. In fact, according to WebMD, bringing nature indoors allows the plants to work as a living purifier. The leaves and the roots work together to absorb chemical pollutants released by synthetic materials.
Finally, have your heating and air conditioning system checked once a year, as the seasons change from summer to fall. The technician will check your indoor air quality and give you some tips for handling it.
