Summer means warmer weather and plants in bloom, but for many it also means increased allergy symptoms. If you suffer from allergies, consider these tips to improve indoor air quality and minimize allergies in your home, including the importance of IAQ testing.
- Remove and prevent mold. Mold is a major source of allergy symptoms, and has no place in your home. The best way to control mold is to control moisture. Fix leaky pipes, don’t let wet items sit around for more than 24 hours, and always run a vent fan while showering. You can remove mold from many hard surfaces with a solution of bleach and water.
- Upgrade your air filters, and change them often. The filters in your furnace and air conditioner are designed to remove dust and other particles from your air, but cheap fiberglass filters don’t do a very good job. High-efficiency filters catch more dust and debris, and can also block smaller particles like pollen, pet dander and mold spores. You can judge a filter’s efficiency by checking its MERV rating; filters rated 8 or higher are best for most homes. Filters should also be changed when they get dirty – usually every one to three months – in order to be effective. Advanced air filtration systems destroy odors, have MERV 16 filters (hospital quality) and may only need to be serviced 1 to 2 times per year.
- Keep contaminants outside. If you have pet allergies, it’s a good idea to keep animals outdoors, or at least give them a thorough bath outside once a week. When you come inside, leave your shoes at the door. Changing your clothes when you come inside is also prudent.
- Have your HVAC serviced. Having your furnace, air conditioner and ductwork serviced and cleaned in springtime helps remove a host of irritating particles that build up in your system over the course of a year.
- Consider installing an air cleaner. Air cleaners and air purifiers remove a wide range of breathable particles from your air, reducing allergy symptoms. Many air cleaners even remove smoke, bacteria, viruses, odors and vapors from your air.
Call Us To Schedule Your IAQ Testing Today
For more information on how you can improve indoor air quality to reduce allergy symptoms, contact Climate Control Company. We’ve been serving Glenwood Springs and Western Colorado since 1956. Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems) and help them with their indoor air quality for healthier, more breathable, air.
