Originally published August 2017, updated May 2020.
It’s hard enough to battle allergies outside in Savannah, Georgia, but it’s worse if they are indoors as well. When you suffer from allergies, you might be putting yourself at risk just as much from being inside as outside. Follow these guidelines to help you keep allergens at bay in your home.
Eliminate Pet Dander
Pets are a big cause of indoor allergies especially during the summer and winter when the house is sealed tightly. Although it’s good for your utility bills to have your home sealed, it also keeps everything locked inside. Brush your pets regularly and have them groomed as well. Vacuum the floor and rugs frequently and dust with a wet cloth. You may also want to limit some rooms your pet is allowed to enter to make it a little easier to keep the house free of fur and dander.
Change Your Air Filter to Help Allergies
Your air filter is an important resource in preventing allergens in your home. Your air filter traps dirt, debris, and other unwanted dander from entering into the ducts and through your home. When your air filter gets dirty, all that air has to travel through that dirt and allergens to cool your home. Check your filters monthly and change them regularly to make sure you aren’t negatively affecting your air quality and inflaming allergies in your home. Your air conditioning can circulate the air inside your home up to 8 times per hour, so it makes a lot of sense to keep your air filter as clean as possible to help you combat allergies.
Test Your IAQ
Your indoor air quality is an important aspect of eliminating indoor allergies. When your IAQ is poor, your family members with allergies will suffer. Even those family members without allergies may experience allergy-like symptoms from the poor air quality. Test your IAQ and then implement ways to keep your air clean. You may need to invest in an air purifier and change your filters more often than normal to make sure your family stays healthy.
If you have concerns about your indoor air quality, or have other HVAC concerns, we are the experts to call. Contact McDevitt Air to schedule an appointment to have your IAQ tested today.