Allergy symptoms can be debilitating, with constant sneezing, itchy eyes and coughing. If you’re susceptible to these reactions, it’s imperative to take action to prevent allergies before they start. Achieving cleaner and healthier indoor air is an important step.

Make Healthier Home Choices

There are several ways that you can reduce the presence of allergens in your home. For example, keep windows and doors closed on high pollen days. You can keep pets out of areas like bedrooms and off furniture to reduce your exposure to dander and fur. Choose cleaning products and air fresheners that are made with natural ingredients rather than harmful chemicals.

Consider Your HVAC Filtration

The filter(s) in your HVAC system should be changed every 30 to 60 days to promote optimal filtration. Consider upgrading them to ones that offer better filtration. Just make sure they aren’t too restrictive for your heating and cooling equipment.

Investing in Whole-Home Air Filtration

While portable air filtration devices can remove particulate matter from your indoor air, you might want to consider a whole-home unit that attaches to your HVAC system. This removes particulate matter and allergens from the air passing through during the heating and cooling process. You can remove up to 99.97% of the particulate matter in your indoor air using whole-home filtration.

Don’t Forget About Ventilation

There should be a healthy exchange of air between your home interior and the outside. This allows for the removal of allergens if the outdoor air quality is safe. Use exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen when bathing, cooking or cleaning. You can have a professional install ventilation equipment in other areas that you feel need IAQ support.

Cleaning Surfaces and Floors

Periodically wipe down surfaces and vacuum your floors. This should be done every few days to remove dust and other particulates. Also, pay attention to areas like the covers on your vents. These can get very dusty and result in poor indoor air quality when your heating and cooling equipment runs.

Managing Indoor Humidity Levels

The relative humidity in your home should always remain between 35% and 50%. If it becomes too humid, this can result in a higher prevalence of particulate matter in your air. This can also promote the growth of mold in your home, which can be dangerous to your health. Address high humidity with a whole-home dehumidifier and low levels of humidity with a whole-home humidifier.

Improve indoor air quality by ensuring your HVAC system runs properly and you have the filtration and humidity-controlling equipment necessary to reduce allergens. Contact our team at Hughes Heating & Air Conditioning in Bethlehem, PA for more information on indoor air quality or to schedule an appointment.