In the typical American home, the air is several times dirtier than just outside the walls of the house, with a number of contaminants posing a threat to allergy sufferers. During allergy season, which is upon us now, the situation is exacerbated by the heightened presence of pollen. In order to minimize your exposure to allergies, it’s important to recognize common allergy triggers and what to do about them. Consider the following allergy tips.
Allergy Triggers
- Pets — Sad but true, your dog and/or cats are effective carriers of pollen, dander and other potential allergens. Reduce contact with pets if you or family members have pet allergies. Keep pets out of bedrooms and off of furniture.
- Dust mites — Unfortunately, this common allergy trigger thrives in the same climate conditions that humans tend to live in. Since dust mites consume the tiny flakes of skin that shed from human bodies, your bedding and furniture provide an attractive habitat. Cover box springs, sheets and pillow cases with allergy-proof casings, and make sure to regularly wash sheets and blankets in very hot water (more than 130 degrees).
- Mold — Your indoor air also may be contaminated by mold spores, arising from mold colonies in damp parts of our home. Eliminate damp areas, and use a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the environment during the cooling season. Carefully clean up visible mold immediately with a mixture of water, detergent and bleach. For big infestations, call in a professional.
- Pollen — This allergy trigger doesn’t stay outside; it enters your home on pets and people, hitching a ride on jackets, shoes and caps. Remove outer wear and shoes and brush down pets upon entering the home. During high allergy season, keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.
Other strategies for reducing allergies in your Indianapolis area home include frequent dusting and cleaning, and effective air purification and filtration. Your furnace or A/C filter should be rated to remove most common allergens, including dust mites, pollen and mold spores.
For more allergy tips this spring, please contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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