Controlling Airborne Mold Spores and Allergens in Your Home
Indoor air pollutants like pollen, dust and mold spores can be irritating to breathe and may make conditions like asthma or allergies worse. With a few simple steps, however, you can control indoor allergy issues in your Southwest Florida home and make it far more comfortable.
Change Air Filters Regularly
The air filter in your air conditioner is primarily designed to protect the system from harm, but it also helps improve indoor air quality. Check the filter monthly and replace it as necessary. Consider upgrading to a filter with a higher MERV rating for better air filtration, or replace your standard filter with an electrostatic or HEPA version to catch even more particles.
Keep Your HVAC System Maintained
Your air conditioning system should be inspected and maintained by an HVAC professional at least yearly, performing basic tasks like cleaning the coils, checking refrigerant levels and lubricating moving parts. For better control of indoor allergy issues, consider having your air ducts cleaned at the same time to remove accumulations of dust, pollen and other particles.
Clean Your Home Often
Household dust can trap many irritating particles, including mold spores and pollen. Minimize your indoor allergy issues by vacuuming your home often using a machine with a HEPA filter, and by dusting regularly with moist or electrostatic cloths. Remove as much clutter from your home as possible to minimize the locations where dust can collect, and use hypoallergenic bedding that is cleaned often to minimize allergens.
Maintain Healthy Humidity
Houses that are humid will be more likely to have mold or mildew problems, and high humidity also supports the growth of pests like dust mites. To minimize the amount of allergens in your home, keep humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. A dehumidifier can help reduce humidity during the summer, and will also make your home feel cooler. When the air is relatively dry, a humidifier can be used to increase humidity.
For other tips to reduce indoor allergy issues, talk to our air quality experts at Conditioned Air. We serve the Southwest Florida region, including Naples and Sarasota.