(BPT) - If you or someone in your household deals with allergies or asthma, you're probably already aware that allergy seasons . While you have no control over the weather and climate issues that may be contributing to your worsening allergy symptoms, there is one area where you can help alleviate your symptoms: your home.
Even a few minor household habits can make a difference. And if you are planning home improvements, there are upgrades that can have a lasting impact on indoor air quality and overall comfort.
"Improving the air quality within your home is one of the most effective steps you can take to manage allergy and asthma triggers. Small changes, such as using effective bedding encasings, certified HVAC filters and reducing moisture, can make a noticeable difference," said Dr. John McKeon, CEO of Allergy Standards Ltd. "For longer-term benefits, Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® building products, such as insulation, help support healthier indoor air for those impacted by asthma and allergies, as well as for the whole family."
Here are a range of steps to take — from small adjustments to whole-home improvements — that add up to a healthier living environment for you and your family.
Easy swaps and revamped routines
To help keep pollen and other allergens at a minimum right away, enlist your whole family in following these straightforward tips.
Banish pollen: Especially on high pollen count days and during the worst times of day for pollen (typically midday through early afternoon), keep pollen outside by closing windows and taking off shoes before coming inside.
Reduce dust and dander: Amp up your cleaning routines to keep dust and dander at a minimum. Cleaning floors, surfaces and ceiling fans with a damp cloth regularly is a good start. Vacuum soft furniture like sofas, as well as beneath furniture. Use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to minimize allergens.
Another easy step is using scientifically validated dust mite-proof encasings for pillows, duvets and mattresses, and keeping pets out of the bedroom to avoid collecting dander on bedding.
It's also recommended to use independently certified filters with a high MERV rating (between 11-13) for your HVAC system, and change filters frequently during allergy season — every three months or as per manufacturer's instructions.
Lower moisture: Mold and mildew that can grow in high-moisture environments are common allergy triggers. Easy ways to reduce moisture including running the exhaust fan in your bathroom for 15-20 minutes after showering, and checking your shower, tub, sinks and toilets for mold or mildew. Frequently change shower curtains and wash bath mats and fabric shower curtains in hot water.
Running your kitchen's exhaust fan while cooking and checking for plumbing leaks in kitchens and bathrooms can also help reduce moisture.
Consider using a dehumidifier to help keep humidity levels down overall, as needed.
Tamp down toxins: You'll also want to be sure you're not using cleaning agents and other substances that can make your home's air less healthy. For example, choose fragrance-free, low volatile organic compound (VOC) cleaners, avoid aerosols and remove strongly scented items like traditional candles and harsh cleaners.
Home renovations that make a larger impact
For more involved steps that will have a long-term effect on creating a healthier home environment, consider these actions — especially when you're ready to tackle a home improvement project, or if you're already planning renovations.
Choose healthier materials: The building materials used in your home can impact indoor air quality. Choosing products for your home — including all of your home's insulation materials — can help ensure that you have a healthier indoor environment.
If you're planning a renovation or home maintenance project requiring insulation for walls, attics, ceilings, ducts, floors or piping, use (or ask your contractor to use) portfolio of fiberglass insulation products, which are Asthma & Allergy Friendly® and Verified Healthier Air™, which means the products went through extensive testing and meet strict standards for indoor air quality.
Learn how insulation impacts your home's indoor air quality and reduces allergens for a healthier, more comfortable living space at .
Revamp your flooring: When you're ready for a home renovation that can vastly improve the look and feel of your overall living space, consider swapping out carpeted areas for hard surfaces like wood, tile or vinyl, which will be much easier to clean and won't trap dust, pollen and dander the way carpet can.
Whole-home actions: Other options to help create a healthier overall home environment include having your ducts cleaned regularly, and installing a whole-home air cleaner in the ductwork of your HVAC system.
As you add some of these recommended proactive steps to the top of your to-do list, you can feel better about your home's indoor air quality, during allergy season and all year long.
