Allergens inside your home are no joke. Having the purest indoor air possible is a vital component to maintaining overall good health. The first step in a successful defense against home allergens is to avoid them and test your indoor air quality.
The experts at Merts Heating & Air Conditioning are here to help, so we’ve provided the following tips to assist you in reducing allergens in your south suburban home near Steger, IL or in Northwest Indiana near Crown Point, IN.
Keep Pet Dander Under Control
Many of us have pets inside our homes that bring comfort, but for some it might be a trade off between companionship and the effects of allergies on your indoor environment. Pet allergies may be caused by many factors, but the most common is dander and fur, which may become embedded in clothing, furniture and carpets.
Bathing your dog weekly and regularly washing their bedding may help minimize the effects of both fur and dander. Vacuuming weekly can also help reduce the effects of these common allergens.
An air purifier purchased from Merts Heating & Air Conditioning is a great way to clean pet dander from the indoor air and make being inside cozy and comfortable. Call our office today at 708-754-4768.
Keep Pollen Outdoors
Seasonal changes in the environment are detrimental to many allergy sufferers. Reducing direct contact with pollen emitted by grasses, weeds, and trees by staying indoors on windy days or days with high pollen can make a difference. However, it also helps to keep your home as pollen-free as possible.
When coming back inside from the outdoors, removing your shoes and changing into clean clothes may help reduce pollen inside. Take a bath before going to bed to eliminate any pollen that has accumulated on your skin or hair. Whenever pollen season is greatest, such as when cottonwood affects us in Steger, IL or in Northwest Indiana near Crown Point, IN, call Merts Heating & Air Conditioning to find out about purchasing an easily installed condenser wrap to combat this serious airborne allergen that affects many in our area. Keeping doors and windows closed as much as possible will also help deter introducing pollen into the indoor air.
Minimize Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny organisms that feed on the microscopic flakes that the human body regularly sheds from our skin. These flakes become embedded in curtains, bedding, mattresses and upholstered furnishings. Regular vacuuming can help reduce the effects of dust mite indoors as can an air purifier from Merts Heating & Air Conditioning. Testing your indoor air quality can help determine if this is an issue.
Many are highly allergic to dust mites. Using plastic zipped covers on your pillows, box spring, and mattress can help keep dust mites at bay.
Cleaning your bedding in water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit and drying it in a hot dryer will help eliminate dust mites from these fibers. Maintaining a humidity level of under 50% in your Steger, IL or Northwest Indiana near Crown Point, IN house might make the environment less inviting to mites.
Dust Frequently
Dust and dirt particles, as well as pollen, are typical allergens. When dusting, move from high points to low points to prevent spreading dust on previously cleaned surfaces. Also, don’t just sweep the dust away using a cloth or feather duster. Damp microfiber towels will collect dust rather than just disperse it. Cleaning curtains, blinds and ceiling fans is also beneficial. Vacuuming after dusting will help remove dust that falls onto the floors.
Install Indoor Air Quality Products
In addition to good cleaning practices, having an indoor air quality product installed by Merts Heating & Air Conditioning is an efficient way to reduce the amount of allergens in your home. Air purifiers can take care of pet dander, dust mites, mold and volatile organic compounds, which are the gasses emitted into the indoor air from paints, stains, paint strippers, aerosol sprays, and even fabrics and carpets. Our expert team can help you get one of these products set up in your home.
If you want to breathe cleaner, healthier air, call Merts Heating & Air Conditioning today for a consultation. We are happy to help you with every heating, cooling and indoor air quality need.