Indoor pollutants including mold, dust and pet dander can leave you sneezing throughout the day. Indoor air pollution can even lead to respiratory problems like asthma, so it is important for you to be proactive about getting rid of these common allergens in your home. Use the tips outlined below to improve indoor air quality and protect the health of your family.
The first step to keeping pollutants out of your home is to complete cleaning tasks that are targeted at these pollutants. Here are some methods that can be used to remove mold, dust and dander from your home.
Keep clutter out of your home to avoid allowing dust to build up in hard-to-reach areas.
Vacuum twice each week to keep dust and dander off of the floor.
Keep your windows closed when pollen levels are high to avoid allowing pollen to blow into your home.
Use a dehumidifier or ventilation fan in the bathroom during showers to prevent excess moisture that promotes mold growth.
Another do-it-yourself way of reducing allergens is by ensuring that the air filter in your HVAC system is clean. It is important to check the filter at least once a month. Replacing the air filter is an inexpensive, easy way to keep the air in your home cleaner while allowing your heating and cooling system to run more efficiently.
While cleaning on a regular basis will help to keep allergens from causing symptoms, the dust that you stir up while cleaning your home could make its way to your HVAC system. A system that is not equipped to filter these pollutants may circulate them back into the air, and your efforts will quickly lose effectiveness as pollutants settle back into your home.
Air purifiers are installed in an HVAC system to keep the air cleaner for improved indoor air quality. There are also stand-alone models of these cleaners. Many air purifiers use a filter to achieve the desired results. High-efficiency particulate air filters are effective at removing pollutants to prevent allergy sufferers from being uncomfortable when spending time indoors.
The type of filter that is used in a purifier should be chosen according to the pollutants that are present in your home. For example, carbon filters are ideal for keeping gaseous pollutants out of the air. However, these filters are not able to eliminate large particles of dust or dander. An HVAC professional can help you determine which air cleaner will work best for your home.
If you need help improving the air quality in your home, a professional HVAC technician can help you get started. Merrell & Associates has been helping residents of Carrollton, Georgia and the surrounding areas breathe easier since 1952. An experienced technician can test the quality of the air in your home and come up with a solution that will keep your family safe from mold, dust and dander.