Many homeowners may mistakenly believe that outdoor allergens diminish after fall, but in reality, the allergy season extends from spring through fall, lasting until winter’s first frost. Additionally, homes naturally accumulate indoor allergens from sources like dust, pets, mold, and insects. These allergens often settle into the soft fibers of carpets, curtains, and furniture, lingering throughout the winter if not properly managed.
6 Ways to Control Allergens Year-Round and Improve Indoor Air Quality
To ensure your indoor air quality remains high year-round, it’s essential to address both outdoor and indoor allergens. Here are six strategies to help you keep allergens at bay and maintain a healthier home environment.
1. Regularly Replace Your HVAC Filters
Dirty filters can reintroduce trapped allergens into the air and strain your HVAC system, reducing its overall efficiency. We recommend changing your filters monthly—follow us on Facebook for friendly reminders! Don’t forget to check and replace filters in your other HVAC equipment too, like air-to-air exchangers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers.
2. Upgrade Your Furnace Filter or Install an Air Cleaner
Standard furnace filters are designed to protect the furnace but may not sufficiently improve air quality for allergy sufferers. Consider upgrading to a higher-efficiency filter or installing a dedicated air cleaner. Visit our residential indoor air quality page to explore your options and schedule a consultation.
3. Vacuum 1-2 Times Per Week
Regular vacuuming can significantly reduce allergen levels in your home. Be sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to prevent dust from being redistributed into the air. Also, don’t forget to vacuum inside floor registers and over ceiling register covers to remove any trapped dust.
4. Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
Your HVAC system plays a crucial role in regulating indoor humidity. We recommend you aim to keep your home’s humidity somewhere between 30-50%. Excess moisture can create an environment where mold and mildew thrive, so if your system struggles to maintain these levels, it might be time for a tune-up or repair.
5. Ensure Good Ventilation
Good air circulation doesn’t always require opening windows, which can let outdoor allergens inside. Instead, ensure your central AC system or strategically placed fans are effectively circulating air throughout your home.
6. Replace Bed Sheets Weekly
Washing your sheets in hot water every week can help reduce dust and allergens. Additionally, using allergy covers on pillows and mattresses prevents dust mites and other allergens from accumulating in these sensitive areas.
Start Breathing Better With Binder
Keeping allergens under control year-round is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. And having a well-maintained HVAC system that circulates air effectively, manages humidity, and filters out allergens is a crucial part of keeping those allergens in check.
If your allergy symptoms persist, it might be time to consider an HVAC upgrade. Contact Binder Heating and Cooling today to learn more about how we can help improve your indoor air quality.
