Here’s How to Allergy-Proof Your Home Any Time of Year

Whether it’s pet dander, mold or pollen from Delaware’s many elms, allergy triggers surround us. You may not be able to avoid allergens outdoors, but you can turn your living space into a safe haven with these simple ways to allergy-proof your home.

• Manage indoor humidity. Keep indoor humidity below 50 percent to inhibit the growth of mold spores and dust mites. Repair any water leaks and seal your home to prevent excess humidity via air leaks. Consider installing a dehumidifier with a humidity monitor. Clean the dehumidifier every two weeks to prevent contaminant buildup. Warmth also encourages mold and dust mites so aim to keep your indoor temperature no higher than 70 degrees.

• Keep air filters clean. At least once a month, check your HVAC system’s air filter, and clean or replace it as necessary to help allergy-proof your home. If you’re using a basic one-inch fiberglass filter, try upgrading to a more efficient pleated medium filter with a MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) of 7 or higher. To improve your indoor air quality even more, consider investing in a HEPA filtration system. If your heating and cooling system hasn’t been cleaned in a few years, consult an HVAC expert about a professional HVAC inspection to check for debris buildup in your vents and elsewhere in the system.

• Improve ventilation. In rooms prone to condensation and mold growth, use ceiling fans to improve air circulation. Double-pane windows will help with wintertime condensation. Install and use exhaust fans in the bathroom and kitchen to remove excess moisture and odors. Opening windows lets in allergens, so keep your windows closed and use your air conditioning to stay cool during pollen season.

• Clean bedding thoroughly. Wash bedding and bedclothes regularly in water of at least 130 degrees to kill dust mites. Enclose your mattress and pillows in allergen-proof covers.

For more professional tips on how to allergy-proof your home or improve your HVAC system, get in touch with us at Sobieski Services.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New Jersey about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC & plumbing systems).

Image Credit: i-r-paulus