With allergy season intensifying, it can be tempting to try to escape the pollen and other misery-causing agents by spending more time indoors. If you want to retreat to your home as a safer haven, here are five air quality tips you can apply to keep your air cleaner and reduce indoor allergies.
Maintain the system: Make sure that your heating and cooling system is kept in good working order with regular preventive maintenance. Part of the maintenance routine should be a good cleaning to remove any allergen sources inside the system, including ductwork and the unit itself.
Change the filters: Dirty filters will let more dust, pollen and other allergens back into your indoor air. Check filters every month and change them if needed; routinely change filters at least every three months.
Use air cleaners: Air cleaners and purifiers will remove many potential allergens and will make your indoor air even cleaner. They sit within the airflow of your HVAC system and capture contaminants as they travel through the ductwork. They remove mold and mold spores, bacteria, viruses and other biological contaminants that your regular air conditioner filter might not stop.
Use an ultraviolet (UV) light: UV light destroys potentially harmful living microorganisms and gives you a strong defense against indoor allergens. These lights are also installed within the airflow of your HVAC system. Exposure to UV light eliminates biological organisms that aggravate allergies and cause illness.
Regularly dust and vacuum: Frequent dusting and vacuuming will help keep indoor allergens to a minimum. Use HEPA filters in your vacuum cleaner to trap and hold dust mites, pet hair and dander, dust and similar allergens. A double-layer vacuum bag will trap these substances and keep them from getting back into your air.
Contact us at Air Assurance today for more air quality tips for keeping your indoor air cleaner throughout the year. We've served the Tulsa and Broken Arrow areas for more than 30 years.Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Air Assurance services Tulsa, Broken Arrow and the surrounding areas. Visit our websiteto see our current promotionsand get started today! Air Quality image via Shutterstock