Spring is a beautiful season that brings in fresh air, blooming flowers, and a sense of new beginnings. However, for many people, it also brings in allergies that can cause discomfort and disrupt their daily routine. Home allergens are a significant contributor to spring allergies, and reducing them can help alleviate systems. Here are the best 4 ways to reduce home allergens this spring.
1. Clean Your Home Often
Cleaning your home often is essential to reduce allergens. Dust and dirt accumulate in carpets, curtains, and upholstery, making them hotspots for allergens. Regularly vacuuming carpets and upholstery, washing curtains, and dusting surfaces with a damp cloth can help reduce the number of allergens in your home. Additionally, changing your bedding and washing it in hot water each week can help reduce the number of allergens in your bedroom.
2. Control Humidity
High humidity levels can create an environment for allergens to thrive. Dust mites, mold, and mildew grow best in humid conditions, making it essential to control humidity levels in your home. Maintaining humidity levels between 30-50% can help reduce allergens significantly. You can use a dehumidifier to control humidity levels and/or fix any leaks. If you’re able to improve your ventilation and keep it under control, you will be able to prevent moisture from building up.
3. Upgrade Your Air Filters
Air filters are an essential component of your HVAC system, and upgrading them can help significantly reduce allergens in your home. Filters with high MERV ratings can trap more allergens, preventing them from circulating through your air. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value and is what reports a filters ability to capture larger particles between 0.3 and 10 microns. Regardless if you continue to use your current air filters or you upgrade, you should plan to change them out every three months. If you have pets or allergies, however, it’s recommended you change them more often than that.
4. Keep Your Windows Closed
While it’s tempting to open windows to let the fresh air in this time of year, it can also bring in pollen and other allergens. Try keeping your windows closed during peak pollen times, which are usually in the morning and late afternoon. If you need to ventilate your home, consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to clean the air. Running your air conditioner and using exhaust fans whenever cooking over the stove are other ways you can help improve ventilation.
Ready To Reduce Your Home Allergens? Contact OnTime Service Today For All Your Indoor Air Quality Needs In Birmingham and Mobile, AL
Reducing home allergens in the spring requires a few simple steps, like cleaning your home often, controlling humidity, upgrading your air filters and keeping your windows closed. By taking these measures, you can breathe easier and enjoy the beauty of spring without the discomfort of allergies. OnTime Service is here to help you with all your indoor air quality needs. We offer a variety of indoor air quality solutions, such as:
- Dehumidification
- Ductwork Repair
- Enhanced Filtration
- Bacteria Killing U.V. Lights
- Airflow Verification
- HVAC Maintenance
- And More!
Contact us today to schedule your indoor air quality appointment with a specialist.