If you have allergies, asthma or other issues that are aggravated due to dust and unknown particles floating in the air, then its time to end the discomfort and treat your symptoms. If not addressed, many of these particles can cause your symptoms to worsen. Most health aggravation can be caused by the dust in your home. Dust can quickly build up to unhealthy levels and, because it comes from several sources, can be difficult to get a handle on. Following are some nasty underlying causes of allergy and asthma home triggers, and how to get rid of them:
Dust Mites
Dust mites are microscopic insects that feed on human skin flakes. They tend to thrive in homes that have more than 40 percent humidity and a temperature greater than 70 degrees. While they are most commonly found in bedding and soft furniture, dust mites can be present in every area of your home.
To rid yourself of dust in your home, consider purchasing allergen-proof casings for mattresses, pillows and box springs. You should also be washing your bedding linens in 130-degree-plus temperatures once a week. You can clean the other areas of your home with a vacuum outfitted with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter.
Mold
Indoor environments with high humidity are prone to mold growth, especially in poorly lighted areas such as basements and crawl spaces. Mold spores are a health hazard to everyone, whether or not you have allergies or asthma. Consider putting in tile as your basement flooring to deter mold growth. To help clean up current infestations, you can use a mixture of water and white vinegar, or a cleaning concoction of water, detergent and 5 percent bleach.
Pollen
While pollen is often thought of as an outside allergy trigger, family members frequently track it in on their clothes and shoes, and pets will catch it in their fur. Many people who think they are allergic to their animals or assume they have too much inside dust actually have a pollen problem. To combat pollen, wipe pets down whenever they come inside, keep windows shut, and use an air purifier with a HEPA filter.
For more hep in reducing dust in your home, please contact your Kansas City area HVAC experts at Overland Park Heating & Cooling, Inc.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Overland Park, Kansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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