Many people suffer from allergy symptoms throughout the year without ever realizing that it's indoor allergens that are triggering them. If you find that you constantly have dry, itchy eyes or you feel like you are constantly sneezing regardless of the season, then you may want to take steps to reduce indoor allergens and subsequently improve your indoor air quality.
Here are a few easy ways that you can minimize the indoor allergens in your home while simultaneously purifying the air in your home:
Dust and Vacuum Every Few Days
No one likes to spend their free time doing chores, but you may find that it's beneficial to take the time to dust and vacuum throughout your house at least twice per week. By keeping your house clean and tidy, you will reduce the number of dust mites in your home. Most people find that this helps reduce the symptoms of indoor allergies significantly in a short amount of time.
Open Your Windows Regularly
There's nothing like a fresh breeze flowing through your home, but many people mistakenly believe that they should only open the windows on warm and sunny days. However, if you suffer from indoor allergies, you may find that it's best to crack the windows open at least once or twice a week - regardless of the weather. The fresh air will work to purify the indoor air. The only time that you may want to consider keeping those windows shut tight is if pollen levels are high outside. If there is too much pollen swirling about, it's bound to get into your home through the open windows and trigger your allergies.
Change Your Air Filters Once Per Month
Your HVAC system has air filters within it that trap dust, dirt and dander that circulate throughout your home. These filters work to help keep the air inside your home clean, but if you do not change them they will become clogged with debris. Not only will this impact the air quality in your home and make your indoor allergies worse, but it also reduces the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Experts recommend changing your filters at least once every 30 days.
Take Care of Indoor Plants and Monitor for Signs of Mold
When not properly taken care of, indoor plants can become an ideal home for mold spores. If you keep indoor plants in your home, water them according to their individual needs. Some plants will develop mold if watered too often.
In addition to minimizing the severity and frequency of your allergy symptoms, by taking steps to reduce indoor allergens you also will enjoy fresher air inside your home. This may offer additional health benefits, and you will likely find that your clean and fresh space simply feels better to be in.
About the Author
Carolyn Ross
Carolyn Ross spent her career in the advertising world as a commercial photographer. She is no stranger to meeting challenging deadlines and working with many people in a fast paced environment.
She has shot for various magazines such as Architectural Digest, Boston Globe Magazine, Wellesley Weston, South Shore life as well Boston Magazine to name a few. Her love of homes and visual spaces has evolved through the years and has lead her to expand her career. She currently serves on the board of a national organization: The American Society of Media Photographers for the New England chapter. She has been involved in the school art programs as well as teaching photography classes.
Carolyn's expert knowledge of staging and art direction is what differentiates her from other agents. She has also taken her keen business background and artistic talents to successfully renovate numerous investment properties in the Metrowest area over the last several years.
This is what inspires her and with determination and passion, she will bring these unique skills to your next real estate transaction.
