In the United States, 1 in 5 people has been diagnosed with an allergy. That is approximately 50 million Americans who suffer from symptoms of allergies. Of these, over 50% say allergies negatively impact the quality of their lives. Pollutants that trigger allergies are pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander. To keep your family comfortable and healthy, allergy-proof your home.
Fortunately, there are ways of allergy-proofing your home that reduce the effect of pollutants on you and your family.
3 Tips to Allergy-Proof a Home
Install an Air Conditioner
An air conditioner effectively improves air quality, but only if you maintain the unit properly by changing the air filter regularly.
Apart from cleaning the air, HVAC systems also manage your home’s humidity level, helping to prevent the growth of allergens like mold and mildew. When shopping for an air conditioning unit, opt for one that takes a HEPA filter. They are proven effective at removing impurities and improving indoor air quality.
Vacuum and Clean Regularly
Keeping surfaces clean and dust-free reduces the chances of irritants and allergens building up on shelves and furniture.
Regular vacuuming is a critical allergy-proofing measure, especially if you live in a home with a lot of carpeting. Carpets trap irritants like dust, mold, and animal dander, substances known to trigger allergic reactions.
If you must have carpeting, opt for easy-to-clean, low pile carpets. Avoid overstuffed cloth furniture and heavy drapes as they trap allergens in their fabrics. Choose curtains you can throw in the washer to replace heavy drapes. These are easy to keep clean, which will help prevent allergies at home.
Fend Off Pet Dander to Allergy-Proof Your Home
Pet dander is among the most prevalent irritants in most American homes. Statistics show that 62% of American households have a pet. While doctors suggest that individuals with allergies shouldn’t keep pets, many people choose to live with a cat or dog. Fortunately, you can take steps to reduce the amount of pet dander in your home.
When looking for a pet, find one that doesn’t shed excessively. Another preventative measure is to train your cat or dog to stay out of your bedroom. Bedrooms are often carpeted and decorated with plush fabrics that trap pet fur and dander easily. Lastly, wash and groom your pets regularly and clean their toys and furniture often.
While the tips above will help allergy-proof your home, the most important step you can take is to determine the primary allergen in your home. Knowing what’s causing an allergic reaction will help you find solutions that work best for you.
Five Stars Home Inspection provides inspection services in the Greater Boston area. Contact us to schedule an appointment.