With rainy weather and chilly temperatures still ahead of us for a while, you probably aren’t thinking too much about your indoor air quality. However, soon enough spring will be here—and with spring comes allergens that threaten your health and the health of your family.
According to WebMD, your Lincolnwood, IL indoor air quality could actually be worse than the quality of the air outdoors. Throughout the year—but particularly in spring—you and your family are exposed to airborne allergens including dust, pollen, dander, mold spores, and even bacteria—all of which can negatively affect even the healthiest people in your household.
Reduce Your Exposure to Allergens
There are a number of things you can do to achieve this. It could be as simple as closing your windows at night. When the weather improves you’ll be tempted to let some fresh air in. But if you’re an allergy or asthma sufferer, this can do more harm than good.
Another way that many people are exposed to allergens is from damaged or loosely connected ductwork. And no, your ducts cannot be repaired with store-bought duct tape. Despite its name, this material is not sufficient for this type of use. Instead, we recommend that you have your ducts professionally sealed or repaired.
Balance Your Home’s Humidity
While we may not suffer from the stifling humidity that other parts of the country do, as spring draws nearer you’ll notice the relative humidity in your home rise. These levels should be between 30–50%. Anything higher can decrease comfort and increase the chance that your home will develop mold and other related problems.
If you find that your home seems to have too much excess moisture, then consider a whole-house dehumidifier. Of course, during the winter you’ll likely find that you have the opposite problem—as you use your heater more, you dry out the air in your home—in which case you’ll benefit from a humidifier.
More Simple Steps to Take
There’s more you can do to improve the quality of your indoor air and prepare your home for an allergen-free spring, without spending much money.
- Remove Your Shoes: You might be surprised by how much you bring into your home simply by walking in with your shoes still on. Dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris are tracked onto your floor, and can become airborne, affecting your health and overall comfort.
- Replace Your Kitchen Sponges: When the air in your home is already humid, you aren’t doing yourself any favors by allowing kitchen sponges to reside in your home for more than a week. They can easily begin to develop mold and bacteria.
- Wash Your Bedding Weekly: And do it with hot water. This helps to keep your home free of dust mites. This is particularly helpful for any of your home’s occupants that may suffer from skin allergies. Springtime is typically when symptoms love to rear their ugly heads!
- Change Your Air Filter: The air filter within your HVAC system is designed to protect the inside components of the system, not your indoor air. However, if they become clogged then allergens and pollutants can certainly get backed up and infiltrate your home. Your air filter should be changed at least once every 3 months. If you have significant contaminants in your household—like pet dander or cigarette smoke—then you may want to consider doing it once a month.
Shavitz Heating and Air Conditioning is committed to improving the comfort and health of your home and your family. Contact us today to learn about our superior indoor air quality products and services!