You might notice yourself sneezing, sniffling, or experiencing other signs of illness while in your home. These symptoms may in fact be attributed to allergens that are lurking in your living space and wreaking havoc on your health. If you want to eliminate these problems, follow these four tips to create an allergy-proof home.

Clean and Dust Regularly

Frequent cleaning and dusting can rid your home of much of the dust, dirt, pollen, and other allergens that are found on various surfaces. Many of these allergens aren’t always easily visible to the human eye, so it’s important to sanitize your living space regularly even if it looks clean. If you have carpets, many of these allergens may be lurking deep within the fibers and can only be eliminated with deep shampooing. It’s also important to check the surfaces around your home regularly for mold or mildew growth, which can further worsen your allergies.

Clean or Replace Air Filters

Dirty, old, or damaged air filters are less efficient in keeping airborne particles that can cause allergic reactions out of homes and should be replaced. Problematic air filters can also cause appliances to work harder than they should, which often results in higher utility bills. These filters may be found in your home’s heating, air conditioning, or ventilation systems, as well as in portable air purifiers. If you aren’t able to access all these filters yourself to check their conditions, you’ll want to hire a professional to do the work for you.

Try Heated Floors

The idea of having heated floors probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when trying to make your home allergy-free, but these types of floors have many advantages. With floor heating, you won’t have to rely as much on your furnace, which can emit unhealthy airborne particles. Radiant floor heating, in particular, can keep humidity levels in your home lower and limit the growth of mold and mildew.

Keep Doors and Windows Closed

If you’re tempted to open your doors and windows to cool your home when the weather is hot, you could be letting in more than the fresh outdoor air. Keeping windows and doors open for prolonged periods provides an easy channel for outdoor allergens to get into our home. You could also worsen the air quality inside your home if the sealings around your doors and windows are damaged. Homes.com also suggests covering your windows with Roman shades, vertical blinds, or washable curtains to better filter out certain allergens.

Making your home an allergy-free environment can be done if the right steps are followed. By taking a proactive approach, you’ll likely notice a big difference and be able to enjoy a healthier home setting.