Make The Most Of Filtration
Keep your air filter clean, changing it every 3-6 months, or more often if you have kids and pets. Filthy filters force your system to work harder to distribute air and spread more allergens and contaminants throughout your home. Consider upgrading your standard filter to HEPA-rated air filters for your home air conditioner. Standard filters are constructed to keep your system clean, not the air in your home. True HEPA filters with a MERV rating of 10 or higher can remove more allergy-inducing particles from the air, including smaller particles standard filters miss.
Keep Surfaces Clean
Control dust, pollen, and pet dander with weekly vacuuming. Bathe your pet regularly as well. Keep your home spic and span to prevent the buildup of allergens and irritants like mold. Store shoes outside, showering and changing after outdoor activities to prevent the inadvertent spread of irritants collected outdoors. This can prevent the buildup of these particles within your air filter and ductwork. Regularly clean vent and ductwork as well. This not only boosts system efficiency , but prevents the spread of allergens and other pollutants throughout your home.
Give Indoor Air Quality Increase
Adding a whole house UV air purifier with an ionizer to your HVAC system can help remove additional allergens and airborne contaminants, helping you ensure the distribution of clean air throughout your home. Recommended by the American Lung Association and Environmental Protection Agency for asthma and allergy sufferers, these special systems include electrically-charged HEPA filters that trap small particles, effectively removing contaminants from the air. UV light additions destroy bacteria and mold.
Keep Humidity Levels In Check
Keep humidity levels in check with the addition of a whole house humidifier or dehumidifier to your heating and cooling system. Air should neither be too dry nor too humid. Relative humidity levels around 40% are best. Most know humid air can lead to the proliferation of mold and mildew, which can produce spores that worsen allergy and asthma symptoms. However, many do not realize dry air is also detrimental. When there is too little moisture in the air, allergens and pollutants can remain airborne longer, causing asthma and allergy flare-ups and increasing the spread of particles throughout your home.
