10 Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Your Home
Spring is in the air, along with pollen and allergens that wreak havoc with asthma and allergy sufferers. Let’s look at some ways to improve our indoor air quality, and how to know when it’s time to call in the professionals. As homeowners, there are many things we can do on our own. It is equally important to know when to step back and turn over the reins to someone more knowledgeable. The team at Herrmann Services put together this list of DIY tips that will help reduce allergy
10 Homeowner Tips to Reduce Allergens Indoors
- Keep windows closed (to keep the pollen out).
- Check with your local nursery for plants that improve indoor air quality (make sure they are not toxic to pets).
- Place pillows and stuffed toys in a laundry bag and place them in a deep freeze for a few hours. The lower temperature will kill dust mites.
- Where possible, adopt a no-shoes policy inside the home to keep dirt, dust, and allergens out.
- Seal windows, door frames, electrical outlets, and recessed lighting with caulk or foam to keep out dust and pollen that collects in crawl spaces, basements, garages, and outdoors.
- Purchase an inexpensive humidity monitor and aim for a reading of 35-50%; high humidity can lead to mold growth, while dry air can cause dry/bloody noses, chapped lips, and itchy skin.
- Check your attic insulation, rafters, and floor joists for wet spots.
- See that your heating & air appliances are cleaned regularly according to manufacturer’s specifications. This may be as simple as replacing your filters.
- Invest in an electronic air cleaner which can remove up to 99.98% of airborne allergens from heating and cooling devices, working 100% better than a filter.
- Install an in-duct air purifier. The REME HALO® is effective against all three categories of indoor air pollutants: particulates, microbial and gases.
If Allergy Problems Persist, Call for Professional Indoor Air Quality Help
If you’re still suffering after trying all of the DIY measures mentioned above, or if you find some of the following problems, call Herrmann Services and we’ll help you get comfortable breathing the air in your home again. Call us when:
- Humidity levels are 60% or higher.
- You find wet spots in your attic on insulation, rafters, or floor joists.
- Manufacturer’s specifications on your furnace and AC recommend.
- Allergy symptoms don’t lessen. You may need to upgrade to a HEPA filter.