Nine Ways to Reduce Allergies and Mold in Your Home, Part 1

Sunday, 30 September 2018 11:08
Nine Ways to Reduce Allergies and Mold in Your Home, Part 1


Itchy, watery, red eyes. Runny nose. Wheezing and sneezing. For those of us who suffer from allergies, these symptoms are a common - and unwelcome - part of life. About 50 million people in the US experiences allergies, and 24 million have asthma. “Suffer” is not too strong a word to describe the physical effects of allergies either: it can be miserable!

Your home should be your refuge, but often, indoor air quality is worse than outdoor air. It can be up to ten times more polluted because contaminants are essentially trapped inside. How can you ensure your home won’t trigger an attack? These nine simple steps will help you breathe easier:

 

1. Replace your air filters. Your heating and cooling system air filters have a big job. They trap pollutants that can result trigger allergies. Make sure you replace them periodically to ensure they’re up to the task. How frequently depends on your particular system/appliances, but every three months is a solid recommendation. This is a quick, easy, and inexpensive fix.

2. Check your exhaust fans. You have exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom, right? If they are not venting outside, though, all the moist air and particles they are supposed to remove end up in your attic. This can lead to mold and mildew growth, which is a big problem for those with allergies. If your exhaust fans are venting inside, give us a call.

3. Rethink your carpeting. Carpet is warm, cozy, and soft. But it can also trap allergens like no man’s business. Vacuuming helps remove surface grit and grime, but foot traffic can grind particles into the fibers of the carpet. If you love the look and feel, opt for an hypoallergenic model or easier to clean area rugs.

4. Time for bed. No, you’re not going to your bedroom to sleep. You’re going to clean. Since this is where you spend a great deal of time, you’ll want to thoroughly wash all of your bedding once a week in hot water. Use pillow protectors to keep mites and dust out of your face, and if you have natural down or wool, consider swapping them out for synthetic materials. They won’t harbor allergens as freely.

5. Be on the lookout for excessive moisture. Moisture is enemy number one for allergy sufferers. Look at your sinks, toilets, showers, water heaters, and washer to see if there’s any seeping or leaking. Cover walls and ceilings with mold-resistant paint. Notice any mold buildup? Scrub it away. Mold and mildew don’t like dry conditions, and you can eliminate a lot of problems - and sneezes - with preventative maintenance.

Allergies can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Your home should be the space where you can really relax and unwind: keeping it as free of allergens as possible is critical. Want to breathe easier? We can help with leaks, water filters, installations, and other tasks that will improve indoor air quality.

See our next post for four more tips to reduce allergies in your home.

Contact Us today for your plumbing needs!