Indoor Air Quality- Reducing Allergens In Your Home

Spring has sprung!  The birds are singing, the grass is green and the pollen count is high!  There's not much that can be done to control the outdoors but what about the air inside your home?  Is it possible to improve the air quality in your home to control allergens?  You bet!  We have a few suggestions and tips:

  • Regularly change your filter.  A good filter reduces allergens such as dust mites and pet dander.  Filters may be fiberglass or pleated and range in size from 1" to 5".  Filters also have a rating system called Merv Rating which determines the effectiveness of a filter.  The smallest particles are captured with filters with a high Merv rating.  A Merv 16, for example, will allow fewer particles to pass through than a Merv 10.  It may be worthwhile to look into a media cabinet or a better filtration system for your home to reduce allergens.
  • Close the windows and turn on the air conditioner.  The air conditioner naturally dehumidifies the house, creating a cool, dry air.  Allergens such as mold and dust mites tend to thrive in warm, humid spaces so running the air conditioner can help to keep allergens under control.
  • Control the humidity in the house.  If humidity levels are still high , it might be time to consider a dehumidifier.  Dehumidifiers pull excess humidity out of the air, creating a cool and dry environment.
  • Consider a UV Light.  UV Lights are effective in controlling airborne allergens, mold, mildew, viruses and bacteria.  UV air cleaners break down these allergens and dramatically improve indoor air quality.

Indoor air quality is an important topic!  There are many things that can be done to reduce the allergens and improve air quality.  Feel free to contact us for recommendations in your home!