It’s everyone’s least favorite time of the year. No, we’re not talking about tax season (though it’s definitely a close second), we’re talking about allergy season — yuck! Stop all that itching, sneezing and misery in its tracks with these five steps to allergy-proof your home today.
Step 1: Kick clutter to the curb.
Not only will decluttering your home leave you feeling re-energized and rejuvenated, but it will also reduce a number of places that allergens can hide. Tackle the porous items first — dirty clothes, towels, old newspapers, magazines and books. Then, knock your knickknacks down to a minimum, as they’re common dust collectors.
Step 2: Change your air filters.
Once you’ve tidied up, you’ll want to make sure your air filters are fresh, clean and ready to trap and lingering dust, pollen and debris particles. If your filters are dirty and clogged, it will end up sending more allergens into the air, and cause your system to work harder to push through all that debris. For best results choose a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter!
Step 3: Seal your air ducts.
Ventilation is your best friend when it comes to keeping allergens at bay. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your ductwork is secure in every way. Inspect them for any air leaks, and have them sealed by a professional right away. Ensuring your ductwork is sealed up tight will help keep unwelcome allergens out, but will also keep conditioned air in.
Step 4: Scrub the bathroom.
Ahh, the bathroom — where mold spores and bacteria abound. Do yourself and your family a favor and give it a good old fashioned scrub down at least once a week. During this time, inspect your pipes for and leaks, make sure ventilation systems are working properly, and don’t forget to wipe down the walls with a nontoxic disinfectant.
Step 5: Redecorate in defense.
Rugs, throw blankets, flowing curtains — while they may make for a beautiful living space, they also tend to lend themselves to collecting dust and allergens. If possible, kick some of these dusty decor items to the curb for those that are less fibrous, like blinds instead of curtains or wood floors instead of carpet. If you absolutely can’t part with them. Make sure you’re vacuuming weekly, dusting often and cleaning carpets, pillows and other upholstered items regularly.
Tyler Heating, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration LLC is a full-service heating and air conditioning repair and installation contractor. From duct sealing and regular HVAC maintenance plans to indoor air quality assessments, the Tyler Team is here to help you get your cooling system up and running, and allergen free, for the summer!
For more information about our HVAC services, contact us online or call 203-378-4700.
