We love being safe and cozy in our homes all year long. For people who are sensitive to indoor allergens or have respiratory problems, different seasons can make their health problems worse. In the winter, we are unable to open windows, which results in the same stale indoor air from the heating system that increases the number of allergens in the air. Those can include dust mites, pet dander and mold spores that stick around long after winter has come to an end. Continue reading to learn a few simple tricks to improve your home's air quality.
Keep it clean.
Make sure that you are vacuuming any carpet or area rugs at least once or twice a week. Ensure that you are regularly cleaning bedding, curtains, and other household items that tend to attract allergens. These are especially important if you have pets. Make sure that you are dusting regularly and clearing clutter as clutter traps and holds dust.
Let fresh air in.
Open windows occasionally, to allow fresh air to move in the house, even during the cold months. If you do not have a cooking vent in your kitchen, that is also a great time to open windows to remove cooking fumes.
Make sure to change the filters in your home.
If your home has a forced-air heating system and air conditioning, make sure that you are changing the filters regularly. They can help ensure that dust and other irritants get trapped instead of being pushed throughout the homes. Along with filters, you should consider getting your ducts cleaned to remove the trapped dust.
Control the humidity in your home.
In the cold months, it can be a great asset to add a humidifier into your home as the air can become dry, but make sure that you are not adding too much humidity. In the summer, it may be best to invest in a dehumidifier. You must find a good balance of humidity in your home as too much humidity can breed mold and mildew that can trigger allergies.
Invest in an air purifier.
If you are struggling to control your indoor allergens, it may be best to look into an air purifier. Make sure to place them in the most used areas in the house. Air purifiers can help capture some of the irritants that may trigger your symptoms. They will not remove the allergens completely but will cut down on them to help the situation.