How to Allergy-Proof Your Home

August 21, 2023

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Allergy season is getting closer, and if you think going indoors will help reduce symptoms, you may be right — but only if you take steps to allergy-proof your home.

1. Clean and declutter the home.

Don’t allow dust to remain on surfaces and corners rarely cleaned. Vacuum and wash floors, counters, decorations, and rugs. Declutter rooms and throw out things you don’t use. Use a damp cloth to remove dust and other allergens and clean showers to prevent mold buildup.

Wash bedding weekly to eliminate pollen, dust, and pet dander. If you have pets in the home, keep them out of the bedroom and wash their toys and bedding regularly. To prevent pet dander buildup, consider replacing carpeting with hard flooring or low-pile carpeting.

2. Maintain proper levels of humidity in the home.

Low and high levels can have negative effects on allergy symptoms. High humidity can cause asthma flare-ups, while low humidity can lead to sinus symptoms. Consider purchasing a hygrometer or smart thermostat with built-in humidity monitoring.

3. Replace air filters.

Air filters work to remove dirt, dust, pollen, allergens, mold, bacteria, and other pollutants from the air. Over time, these particles build up and make it difficult for air to freely pass through the filter. It’s important to regularly replace air filters to ensure the HVAC system is able to allow clean air to flow through the home. The higher the quality of the air filters, the more pollutants are removed and the risk of allergy flare-ups is lowered.

4. Install an air purifier.

An air purifier is another option for improved indoor air quality.

A HEPA-certified air purifier removes at least 99.97% of particulates measuring 0.3 microns in diameter. Before purchasing an air purifier, be sure to check the clean-air delivery rate of the purifier, which measures the cleaning speed. A rating above 350 is high-performing. Also make sure the CADR is at least 300.

Roger the Plumber is happy to assist customers looking to allergy-proof their home. If you have any questions or need assistance with your home’s HVAC system, give us a call!

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