What can I do to help my indoor air quality during allergy season?

April 27, 2018

There are many great things that come with spring, including warmer temperatures and the opportunity to spend a greater amount of time outside. But one factor that can throw a wrench into enjoying the season is the presence of allergens. From runny noses to itchy eyes, seasonal allergies can be a nuisance to any of your family members. And when you wake up with these symptoms instead of feeling like you’ve had a restful night’s sleep, you’re going to want to find a solution.

And while we usually think of the outdoors when it comes to allergy season, allergens can exist within your indoor space. Many homeowners have become increasingly interested in their indoor air quality and the impact on the home’s occupants. However, while it’s challenging to eliminate those allergens from the outdoors, there are steps you can take to decrease these contaminants in your home.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) identifies the following as the main sources of indoor allergens:

  • Pets
  • Wall-to-wall carpet
  • Soft furniture
  • Stuffed toys
  • Bedding
  • Damp areas
  • Indoor plants
  • Mattresses without allergy covers
  • Pillows and bedding you can’t wash in hot water

The AAFA also shares a few steps to help you control allergens in your home.

  • Put plastic covers over all mattresses and pillows.
  • Wash your bedding weekly.
  • Vacuum one or two times a week.
  • Cover your garbage cans.
  • Keep pets out of the bedroom.
  • Close the windows and doors to keep pollen from getting in the home.

Keeping your home clean and minimizing the opportunity for dust, pollen and other contaminants to enter the home will go a long way to enhancing your home comfort. Make a checklist so that you can prepare your home and be ready to enjoy the warmer temperatures.

Don’t make this allergy season more challenging than it needs to be. If you would like further information on how you can improve your home comfort with purification or filtration systems, or if you have additional questions on how to find a solution for the quality of air in your space, give Lakeside Heating & Air a call at 509-284-4265 to speak with one of our technicians.