5 Ways To Control Summer And Fall Allergies

5 Ways To Control Summer And Fall AllergiesSummer and fall allergy season can be unbearable to live with. From dust to pollen to pet dander, the air is full of contaminants. And while there’s little you can do about it outdoors, indoors you have better control over the allergens in the air. Here are five steps you can take to reduce allergies in your home and improve your overall indoor air quality.

1. Vacuum and mop regularly to reduce dust particles in the air. Keeping your house clean helps keep allergies at bay. Always dust with a damp cloth, rather than a dry one. A dry cloth or feather duster will agitate the dust particles and lead to increased air contamination. And take particular care when cleaning bathrooms, kitchens and other damp areas to prevent mold and mildew from growing.

2. Don’t smoke in the house, or allow others to smoke either. Cigarette smoke is a major cause of air contamination and can aggravate asthma as well as allergies.

3. Use a wholehouse ducted air purifier and a dehumidifier. Both will greatly help to reduce allergens in the air. Contaminants such as dust and mold thrive in humid environments, so use a dehumidifier to keep the humidity under 50 percent. Your air conditioner also helps to dehumidify your home as it cools, and if you have a newer, high-efficiency model, it may be all you need.

4. Change your A/C’s air filter as often as once a month, depending on your use and the type of filter. If the filter is allowed to become clogged, it not only impedes crucial airflow through your system, the dirt bypassing the filter can actually be recirculated back into the house, making your indoor air quality even worse than before.

5. Have your home tested for radon. It’s colorless and odorless, and therefore undetectable without a test. But it’s also dangerous. It can aggravate allergies and asthma, as well as being one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Have a professional test your home and advise you on what to do if any radon is detected.

For more advice on reducing allergies as well as general A/C issues, contact our experts at Overland Park Heating & Cooling, Inc. Homeowners in the greater Kansas City area have trusted us with their HVAC needs for nearly three decades.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Overland Park, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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