There are pollutants, dust particles, VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and other allergens floating around in the air you breathe both indoors and outdoors. While you’re outside, your exposure to them is inevitable. For those who experience seasonal allergies or are prone to respiratory issues, the symptoms may feel as though they are inescapable. Although, particulate matter seems to be less of a trigger in open spaces.
When you enter and remain in an enclosed space like your home, you are encouraged to be mindful. This is when allergens and particulates can become hazardous to your health. At company_name], we have professional experience helping residents in Las Vegas, NV, clean up their indoor air quality. Here are some ways you can reduce the allergens in your house.
Control the Allergens
You are not going to be able to eliminate 100% of the allergens from your home, but you can employ strategies that will eliminate most of them. It is important to remember that this is an ongoing process because new allergens are being produced all the time. So, your job is to control the allergens on an ongoing basis. Industry professionals and organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency recommend ventilation. They also recommend completing some simple tasks such as:
- Vacuuming at least once a week
- Reducing pet dander
- Preventing pollen from entering your home
- Preventing mold spores
- Controlling cockroaches
- Controlling dust mites
The key to reducing the number of allergens in your home is cleaning. Pollutants are floating in the air, and when the air becomes stale, they land on your home’s surfaces. Once they land, they remain in their spot until you clean or the ventilation in your home picks them up again. In that case, they merely shift to another location. When you dust, you can see the amount of detritus you’ve picked up on the dust cloth you’re using. When you vacuum, you can also see the amount when you empty the bin. The more you can get rid of, the better off your home will be.
Allergens come from a variety of sources, even your pet. Other sources are dust mites and bacteria. If you’re not sure where all the allergens are coming from, professional technicians can always assess your home’s indoor air quality. Simply let us know when you’d like to get started.
In the meantime, work on eliminating clutter. When there are books, magazines or toys stacked up against a wall, they are like a magnet for allergens. Since the stacks are likely to remain untouched, allergens can harbor there unbothered. If you are someone who enjoys decorating with curios and trinkets, consider the clutter. Those items attract allergens as well because these objects aren’t moved around very often. Your best bet is to ensure that you dust them on a consistent basis.
Your bed is another prime spot for allergens. You are encouraged to wash and clean the bedding at least once a week. This is where you sleep, and while you are sleeping, you are breathing those allergens deeply in. Accumulating them in your lungs is not good for your health. It is especially bad for those who have respiratory issues.
Control Moisture
Controlling the moisture in your home is another way to reduce allergens. The two rooms that produce the most moisture are the bathroom and the kitchen. Dehumidifiers are good for moisture control. If you would like to figure out if you are successfully controlling the humidity, you can employ a humidity monitor. Fixing leaks in your home is also a great way to control moisture. Reducing moisture should be done anyway because it will help prevent the growth of mold and other bacteria in hard-to-reach areas. Some people like to run the shower a minute or two before using it. While this can be a comforting habit, it also produces extra moisture. The extra moisture creates a place for mold to live, which is not ideal. Additionally, you may have to replace the flooring and repaint sooner than necessary. So, as you go about your daily activities, consider how often you are cleaning. If you would like to clean less, develop habits that prevent excess moisture.
Prevent Allergens From Entering Your Home
This is going to sound like a Catch-22, but a balance can be created, nonetheless. To reduce the number of allergens in your home, you should work to prevent them from entering in the first place. This means sealing any cracks and crevices that may exist, especially in an attic or basement. Every so often, you do need to air out your home, though. This means that you’ll need to open the windows. If you keep everything closed for an extended period of time, the indoor air is going to become stale. Plus, it allows the allergens already inside to rest on your home’s surfaces. This is why we said you need to find a balance between eliminating the allergens and not allowing them to enter. It’s also why investing in devices becomes a good idea.
Invest in Devices
There are several types of air purifiers you can invest in that will help reduce the level of allergens floating in your home. Ultraviolet air purifiers can be placed in the HVAC system. They prevent the growth of bacteria in the unit so the air that is heated or cooled is clean. There are air purifiers that focus on trapping allergens from smoke, too. In some cases, you may have to utilize more than one device to achieve a combination that reduces allergens and pollutants such as bacteria, pollen and particulates from smoke. If you need help navigating these choices, turn to a professional technician.
Understand What Allergens Are
To reduce the number of allergens in your home, it is a good idea to understand what you are targeting. The main sources of indoor allergens are:
- Pets
- Wall-to-wall carpet
- Toys
- Furniture
- Bedding
- Damp areas
- Mattresses
- Pillows
Performing regular maintenance on your HVAC system is another way to help reduce the number of allergens in your home. It begins with the air filter. The air filter is the part of a heating, cooling and ventilation system that traps allergens and other particles, so it needs to be changed routinely. If your unit contains a HEPA filter, it should be changed on a monthly basis. This prevents the allergens the filter has gathered from clogging the unit. It also prevents the allergens from getting loose and being shot back into the air you are breathing.
Ventilation is an important function of your HVAC system. If your home contains ductwork, the ducts have to be free of dust and allergen build-up. Before you turn the system on for the warmer or colder months, it is a good idea to have professionals like us take a look at the dust and allergen situation.
To receive an assessment of your Las Vegas home’s indoor air quality, contact us at Polar Air & Heating, Inc. and set up an appointment. We also provide a complete line of heating and cooling installation, maintenance and repair services for both residential and commercial clients.
