How To Minimize Allergens
Improve Indoor Air Quality to Fight Allergens and Asthma in Annapolis, MD
At Barstow & Sons Heating & Cooling, we take indoor air quality solutions for our customers throughout the Annapolis and Pasadena, MD areas very seriously. Climate comfort is essential, but your health is the number one priority. While staying warm in the winter and cool in the summer heat adds to healthy environments, the quality of the air you breathe inside your home should not be overlooked. Whether it’s through adding a HEPA air filter, providing duct cleaning, or discussing ways to minimize allergens in your home, our team offers various solutions to help you improve your indoor quality.
Allergens Are a Year-Round Problem
The air is filled with particulates that cause all sorts of allergies in children and adults. Many are seasonal, coming on strong when pollen is heavy in the air. Others can be worse in the winter when our homes are buttoned up to keep out the cold, reducing the amount of fresh air we’re exposed to. No matter what schedule your allergies are on, even a slight reaction can be an annoyance that causes watery, itchy eyes or uncontrollable sneezing. For others with additional health complications, they can be much worse.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies are caused by the various substances floating around in the air we breathe. Most of these aren’t visible to us, but a good example of how much is actually in your home is taking note of the amount of dust that has settled on a shelf or countertop. There is a much higher concentration of allergens in indoor air than in outside air. These particulates can include:
- Dust Mites – No matter how often you clean, dust mites will be an ever-present allergen in your home. Keeping ducts clean will help reduce the amount you’re exposed to.
- Pollen – Keeping doors and windows closed when outdoor pollen levels are high will keep your indoor air cleaner.
- Mold – Mold grows on organic materials such as wood, drywall, and fabrics. It needs moisture or humid conditions to form and will release invisible spores into the air once it grows.
- Pet Dander – Cats and dogs are lovable pets and great companions, but many people have allergies to pet dander which can be spread throughout the home via HVAC ducts.
- Bacteria & Viruses – These pose health problems to everyone, including those who don’t have allergies to any of the above-listed materials. Keeping your indoor air clean is essential to minimize these.
How Is the Indoor Air Quality in Your Home?
Wondering how the indoor air quality is in your home? One easy way to tell is to pay attention to how you feel. If your home is circulating dust mites, pollen, pet dander, or mold spores throughout the air, there’s a good chance you might experience watery, itchy eyes, a running nose, sneezing, a scratchy throat, or possibly headaches. If you don’t experience any of these, keep an eye out for the following:
- Dirty filters in HVAC equipment
- Pollen collecting near windows or doors
- Excessive dust on shelves or window shades
- Pet hair trapped in carpeting or furniture fabrics
- Mold growth in humid areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or basements
Steps to Improve Air Quality in Your Home
Every homeowner can take a few simple steps to reduce the allergens in their home. Taking action and keeping up with regular HVAC maintenance and cleaning are great ways to combat pollutants and allergens proactively.
- Change HVAC filters per your equipment’s recommendations
- Invest in an air quality monitor
- Consider adding a UV light air HEPA filter to your HVAC system
- Allow fresh air in your home when pollen levels are low
- Run vent fans in the bathroom before and after showers
- Fix plumbing leaks to minimize mold growth
- Vacuum and dust regularly
Schedule HVAC and Air Duct Cleaning
While following the above recommendations, don’t forget to call Barstow & Sons Heating & Cooling to schedule air duct cleaning in the Annapolis and Pasadena, MD areas. Our air duct cleaning services and inspections by our certified technicians will ensure your heating and cooling equipment isn’t contributing to spreading substances around your home that cause allergies and asthma attacks. Contact us to schedule service today.