Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Below are a handful of quick and easy tips from Winstar Home Services to help homeowners prepare and upgrade their HVAC systems to handle allergens:
Keep a healthy level of humidity:
- Dust mites and mold love moisture. Keeping humidity around 30 to 50 percent helps keep them and other allergens under control.
- Use an exhaust fan when cooking, running the dishwasher, or bathing.
- Empty catch pans in your dehumidifier.
Dust and vacuum frequently:
- Avoid using a dry cloth or feather duster, as they tend to push allergens back into the air. Instead, clean hard surfaces, floors and window shades/blinds weekly with treated dust rags, damp mops or damp rags.
- Hardwood, tile and linoleum are ideal for chronic allergy sufferers, but if a home has carpet, be sure to vacuum carpeted areas weekly. Vacuum and wash rugs regularly as well.
Ensure proper ventilation:
- To combat indoor allergies such as mold, dust and animal hair, open your windows and doors and turn on any fans to help blow away allergens.
- If outdoor allergies are a problem, close windows and rely on air conditioning or use pollen proof screens to combat pollen that might come through open windows.
- Change air filters frequently to ensure that your HVAC system efficiently removes contaminates from your indoor air.
- The highest quality filters, called HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, can remove almost all particulates and contaminants.
- Install an air purification system.
Update and/or cover your bedding:
- Use anti-allergy pillow, mattress and box spring covers on all bedding.
- If you have wool or feather bedding, consider replacing with synthetic materials.Source: Winstar Home Services
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