How to Reduce Allergens in Your Home

Air quality is an important consideration in any home, but that is especially true if you have family members who suffer from allergies, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or other respiratory conditions. From dust and pollen to pet dander, mold spores, dust mites, and insect droppings, any airborne particles in your Maryland home can cause symptom flare-ups that make life miserable for those affected. With a bit of work, however, you can reduce many of the allergens inside your home and significantly improve your air quality. Here are a few tips that can help:

HVAC System

Your HVAC system handles all the air that is heated or cooled inside your home. Keeping it clean and well-maintained will go a long way towards reducing allergens. Have the system professionally inspected and serviced at least twice a year, preferably in the fall and spring. Between service visits, check the air filters yourself monthly and replace them at least every three months or when they appear dirty.

Proper humidity levels are also important to prevent mold growth and dust mite infestations. Use an externally vented exhaust fan every time you cook, bathe, or take a shower, and if you do not have a fan in the kitchen or bathroom, have one installed. At James A. Wheat & Sons, Inc., our experts can help to improve the air quality in your home with HVAC maintenance, exhaust system installations, humidity control systems, and more.

Kitchen

Wipe up spilled liquids on counters or floors or in the refrigerator promptly to prevent mold growth and to avoid attracting insects. Keep garbage in a container with a tight-fitting lid and remove it daily. Store food in sealed containers to keep insects away, and clean up spilled food swiftly. Make sure your stove has an externally vented hood.

Bathroom

Use shower curtains that can easily be cleaned, and use a bleach solution to eliminate any mold or mildew as soon as it is noticed. If you have bath rugs, wash them often to prevent mold growth, and clean up water spilled on the floor or counters quickly.

Living Room

Avoid installing carpeting when possible, and use hardwood or area rugs that can easily be removed and washed. Dust often using moist cloths or wipes, and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to remove dust from furniture, carpets, or rugs. Clean area rugs monthly by hanging them outside and beating the dust out of them. Choose curtains and drapes that can easily be washed, and avoid horizontal mini-blinds, which are magnets for dust.

Bedrooms

Change sheets, pillowcases, and bedding at least weekly, and use hypo-allergenic pillows, pillowcases, and mattress covers when possible. Wash comforters, mattress covers, and other heavy items at least once a month. Dust often, and eliminate clutter in closets, cabinets, and shelving systems to provide fewer places for dust to accumulate. Keep pets out of the bedrooms of those affected by allergies or asthma, and use a HEPA-filtered vacuum to remove dust from area rugs, carpet, furniture, and closets.

HVAC and Indoor Air Quality Services in Maryland

When you need help improving your indoor air quality, talk to our team at James A. Wheat & Sons, Inc. We can keep your heating and air conditioning systems cleaned and maintained, and we add accessories like ventilation systems, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and whole-home air cleaners to further improve your air quality. Since 1978, we have been providing quality HVAC services throughout Maryland and Washington, DC.

Give us a call today at (301) 241-9636 or contact us online to start improving your indoor air quality!