While outdoor allergies can be problematic seasonally, indoor allergens are present year-round. If you regularly deal with sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, a runny nose and other unpleasant allergy symptoms, your life can be miserable. Experiencing ongoing allergy symptoms is a sign that one or more triggers is in your home. Identifying and targeting a specific trigger can be challenging, and a better idea is to take broad approach to improve overall cleanliness throughout the home.
Clean Ceiling Fan Blades
If you run your ceiling fans periodically or regularly, the tops and sides of the blades can become saturated with dust and other particles. While the blades may accumulate more debris over time, some of this allergens can spin off and fly through the air when the fans are on. Using a ladder or chair, carefully clean all of the debris off of these blades so that your fans do not contribute to your allergy problems.
Focus on the HVAC System
Regardless of whether you are running the air conditioner or the heater, your HVAC system circulates air throughout every room in your home. It picks up dust, pet dander and other elements, and these particles can accumulate in the ducts and on the HVAC equipment. Some of these particles will be trapped by the air filter. However, when the ducts, equipment, air filters and vent covers are covered by debris, some of that debris will circulate throughout the home and increase allergy symptoms. If you have not done so recently, schedule AC service so that your system can be professionally cleaned as needed. In addition, replace your air filter monthly or as recommended so that more particles can be captured.
Steam Clean Your Carpeting
Carpeting can also contribute to indoor allergy symptoms. Sitting on the floor, your carpeting collects all debris that falls to the ground. Vacuuming is not enough to remove the particles that are embedded in the carpeting, so periodic steam cleaning is necessary. Another idea is to remove all carpeting from the home, and install hard flooring materials as an alternative. Hard flooring is associated with improved indoor air quality.
Living with allergies can make you miserable, and this may seem more problematic when the causes of your allergic symptoms are inside your home. Each of these effective tips can remove many allergens from your home. Cumulatively, these tips can help you and your family members to breath easier indoors. Remember to repeat these steps periodically for the best results.
