When you suffer from allergies, you’re always looking for ways to reduce your symptoms and live a symptom-free life. While the outdoors might seem like the enemy, thanks to its abundance of pollen and other allergens, your Foley, Alabama, home can also present a threat. Use these six home maintenance tasks to get your allergies under control and turn your home into an allergen-free zone.
Rip Out the Carpet
Carpet and rugs trap allergens, which means you’re exposed every time you walk across your living room. It’s also a haven for dust and dust mites as well as dirt and debris. To reduce allergy symptoms, consider ripping out the carpet and replacing it with different material. You have several options from which to choose, depending on your style preferences.
Some homeowners prefer hardwood floors, although you can save money by installing laminate floors that look like real wood. Consider tile if you’re looking for an easy-clean surface that keeps the floors cool during the hot Alabama summers.
Install an Air Purifier
An air purifier or cleaner can neutralize allergens before they have a chance to wreak havoc on your respiratory system. They come in many different models to suit your home’s size and your preferences. Most air cleaners use electrical charges to kill pathogens and other allergens that might irritate your nasal passages.
We would be happy to help you to choose an air purifier for your home and then install it. Don’t attempt to install one on your own because you might injure yourself, damage the appliance, and void the warranty. Our expert technicians have installed many of these devices, so they are your best bet for a hassle-free installation.
Clean More Often
As much as you might hate cleaning or might not have the time for regular or thorough cleaning, these chores are necessary if you suffer from allergies. If you currently clean your home once a week, consider cleaning twice a week to ensure that dust doesn’t get a chance to build up on furniture and other surfaces. Use natural products when possible to avoid exposing yourself to allergy-inducing chemicals.
Change Your Bedding Regularly
Indoor air quality, or IAQ, can affect allergy sufferers. One way to boost your IAQ is to change your bedding frequently. Dust can easily become embedded in your pillow, sheets, and blankets. Launder these items regularly to control household dust accumulation.
You can also put a protective cover over your mattress to protect it against dust mite infestation, especially if you know you are allergic to the mites. Clean around your bed as well, to prevent dust from settling on other surfaces, and change your pillow as recommended to reduce allergy symptoms.
Replace Your Air Filter More Often
Your HVAC system relies on the air filter to trap particles that shouldn’t cycle through the system. While the manufacturer’s instructions on your air filter might recommend replacements every three to five months, consider replacing it more often if you suffer from allergies. If the filter gets clogged, it can prevent your air conditioner or furnace from doing its job, which means worsened IAQ.
Switch From Curtains to Blinds
Curtains look great when they hang in front of your windows, but they accumulate dust easily and require more effort to keep clean. Blinds prove easier to keep clean because you can simply wipe them down once or twice a week to keep them dust-free. Plus, they give you more control over the amount of sunlight you let into your home.
Shades can offer another easy-care solution. Bamboo shades, for instance, are good for the environment and even easier to clean than window blinds.
Keeping your home free of allergens can help you live a more comfortable life. For more guidance on indoor air quality matters, call Keith Air Conditioning, Inc. at 251-317-9745.
