Allergies are one of the most common chronic diseases in Canada, with one in four people per year experiencing some type of seasonal allergic reaction.
You may be surprised to discover that your home air quality might be contributing to your allergies or making it worse. So what are some ways that you can improve air quality in your home and reduce the possibility of illness and aggravating allergies?
Here are five ways you can start boosting the air quality in your home.
1. Change Your Air Filter
The air filter in your AC unit captures pollutants, dust, allergens, bacteria, and more. When the filter becomes overwhelmed with this debris, it cannot work well anymore and continues to blow these pollutants into the home, allowing your family members to breathe them in.
Changing your air filter every couple of months will keep allergens at bay, as well as ensure your AC works properly.
2. Open the Windows
Opening the windows during the winter or even when it’s hot outside may be frowned upon, especially if you’re running your HVAC unit. However, it’s important for the air to circulate and to bring fresh air into the home. If your family members can handle having the windows open for a short time period, keep them cracked so air can move through freely.
3. Clean Your Ducts
Your air ducts are responsible for transferring air throughout the rooms in your home. But when other pollutants like dust, dander, and other debris are moved from room to room, they can build up over time and blow these contaminants into each room, damaging the air quality.
Even problems like mold can arise without giving your air ducts attention. If you want to clean your ducts well, it’s best to hire a professional.
4. Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming is key to controlling the number of pollutants and allergens that stay in your home. Rugs, carpets, and even furniture can harbour allergens, dust, and more. If you have a large family or a lot of traffic in your home, you’ll need to vacuum more often, in every room in the house.
Don’t forget to dust high places and wiping down other places where dust may be present.
5. Control the Humidity
While a humid house is often uncomfortable, it can also encourage the growth of mold. There are a few possibilities to control the humidity in your home.
A dehumidifier helps decrease the humidity in your home to prevent mold growth. It set an optimal level of humidity if the air in your home is dry. Dry air often contributes to itchy eyes or other irritations.
Improve Your Air Quality with Us
The air we breathe has a significant impact on how we feel. Poor air quality can cause an array of physical problems. Therefore, it is important to take these steps if you are concerned about your health and the health of your family.
If you are looking for more ways to ensure your home stays clean and safe at all times, reach out to McMullen’s Refrigeration & Heating in Red Deer! Contact us today for a quote.
