Your Health is Impacted by Indoor Air Quality
In metro Atlanta, we know spring has arrived by the greenish-yellow dust that covers just about everything. Eyes begin to water, the distant sounds of sneezing can be heard, let alone the battle of runny noses and red eyes. This is a typical Georgia spring. The last thing any homeowner should want is to bring the outdoor allergens inside. As we become more and more aware of our health and how to improve it, don’t overlook the quality of your indoor air.
What do the Experts Say?
There are many outdoor contaminants that kind find their way into your home. According to the EPA, indoor air can be up to 60% more contaminated than the air outside! This can create an unhealthy environment for you and your family. What types of allergens and contaminants could be lurking in your home:
- Dust Mites
- Pet Dander
- Pollen
- Microbials
- Bacteria
- Mold Spores
- Fiberglass fibers
- Skin Cells
Allergy Proof Your Home
If you find that you have developed allergy or asthma like symptoms, especially if they last year round, consider allergen proofing your home to improve the indoor air quality. These few steps can make a world of difference to your runny nose and itchy eyes.
- Declutter anything that can collect dust
- Keep the pets out of sleeping areas and frequently brush or bathe your pet to reduce pet dander
- Close your windows to eliminate the circulation of outdoor allergens into the home
- Don’t forget to dust or wash your curtains and blind. They can be dust traps.
- Vacuum weekly with a vacuum that uses a HEPA filter
- Wash and change your bedding at least once a week. Make sure to wash your sheets on hot.
- Air Filtration is key to clean air coming from your HVAC system. Consider high quality media air filters.
- Consider owning air-purifying plants and make sure to cover the soil with gravel to cover the dirt
- Eliminate any moist areas or those with standing water in the kitchen and bath to get rid of potential mold
- Scrub those toilets! Mold can build up inside your toilet and enter the air with every flush
- Consider dehumidification for your home for the hot Georgia humid months
- Remove all pests such as rodents & bugs by sealing around your doors and windows and using inexpensive pest traps from the hardware store
- Perform regular HVAC preventative maintenance
The list seems long of ways to keep your allergies at bay inside your home, but it is well worth the time and effort! The HVAC expert technicians at Guardian can lighten your work load by maintaining your HVAC system and making recommendations for air filtration. Contact us today to schedule your seasonal tune up and to discover the many ways we can help you say ‘goodbye’ to your itchy eyes.
