How to Keep Fall Allergens Out of Your Home

As you begin to spend more time inside this fall, you may think you’re safe from the allergens filling the outside air. Unfortunately, you cannot escape allergens, because your home has a way of trapping them inside. While there’s no way to control the air quality outside, there are steps you can take to keep fall allergens out of your home and ensure you’re breathing in the cleanest air possible.

Some of the most common indoor allergens to be aware of include:

• Mold and mildew
• Pollen
• Pet dander
• Dust mites
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

Below, the HVAC professionals here at RSC Heating & Air Conditioning share six practical tips to reduce indoor allergens and improve the air quality in your home.

Replace the Air Filter in Your HVAC System

It is recommended that you replace the air filter in your HVAC system every 30-90 days. You want to change out the air filter to help keep allergens out of your home, especially during the fall season. If you neglect to change the filter, the system is more likely to get clogged with debris and dirt over time, resulting in lower air quality for you and your family.

Buy an Air Filter or Purifier

Using the right kind of air filter or purifier can make a noticeable difference in the level of allergens and overall air quality in your living space. Air filters help to remove particles containing allergens and other pollutants from the air, while purifiers take the next step in sanitizing them.

For the best results, we suggest you look for a HEPA filter, a filter commonly used in hospitals and laboratories that traps 99.97% of particles in the air. RSC Heating & Air Conditioning can help you determine which filter is the best solution for your home based on your particular indoor air quality needs.

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Bathe Your Pets Frequently

Even with a hypoallergenic dog, you’re still susceptible to allergy-causing dander floating around in your home. Allergens can be found in an animal’s skin cells, saliva, sweat, or urine. It is important to bathe your pets frequently during this time of year to keep allergens out of your home as much as possible.

Wash Your Bedding, Curtains, and Rugs Regularly

Dust can enter your home through windows, doors, and cracks around them. Like your pets, you also carry allergens on your hair and skin. Shampooing your rugs, in addition to washing your bedding and curtains regularly, will help to remove dust and other allergens that make their way into your home this fall.

Control the Humidity Levels in Your Home

Mold and mildew grow with the help of water or moisture, so it is important to take the measures needed to control the humidity levels in your home. Along with mold and mildew, dust mites thrive in humid environments. Pay attention to rooms in your home such as basements and cellars, which are more vulnerable to mold infestation.

Use Your AC and Keep Your Windows Closed

You may be tempted to open your windows in the morning or at night when the temperature is cooler outside, but we recommend against doing this if seasonal allergies are a concern for you or your family. Closing your windows will not only keep seasonal allergens outdoors, but it will reduce the likelihood of moisture buildup in your home, deterring the growth and spread of mold, bacteria, and dust mites.

Rather than opening your windows in the fall, we suggest using an air conditioner to cool your home while minimizing the amount of allergens in the living space. You may also want to consider the air quality benefits of using a dehumidifier in your home.

Take the Steps to Breathe Easy This Fall

Use these tips to keep fall allergens out of your home and ensure you’re breathing clean air this season. Contact RSC Heating & Air Conditioning to learn more about indoor air quality solutions and HVAC services.