Invisible irritants can turn your home into a den of sneezing and coughing unless you can find a way to banish them for good. Allergies impact more than 20% of residents in the United States. As the weather warms around San Jose, CA you are probably feeling it more than ever—headaches, itchy eyes, stuffy nose. If you are having trouble breathing normally, then it is time to do something about allergens in your home. Here are some tips:
- Determine Your Allergens
Don’t start making changes in your home until you figure out your particular allergies. By visiting an allergist you can determine what causes you the most trouble and focus on those preventative measures. For example, it would be useless to shut all the windows and sit inside, when your allergies are coming from the cat.
- Close the Windows
If pollen is your problem, keep the windows closed on days when pollen count is high—especially in windy conditions. The air will carry pollen and dust into your home, where there is little chance of escape.
- Check the Humidity
Moisture can contribute to the spread of mold, dust mites, and other and allergens. So one thing you can do is rid the house of excess moisture. If you live in an area of excessive humidity you should invest in a humidity gauge and keep it at 40%. Anything above 50 will increase molds and dust mites. So use the gauge to check all the rooms in the house and get a good measurement.
- Air Conditioning
You know if the windows fog up in your car, the best thing to do is to switch on the air conditioning. The same applies to your home. To remove the moisture during warm weather you should turn on the A/C. The air conditioning installations will help filter out pollen and the cooler airflow will help get rid of dust mites, mold, and even cockroaches. That said, you do need to have your air conditioner checked annually to have it cleaned and maintained. You should also clean the filters regularly to keep allergies at a minimum throughout the spring and summer. There are even electrostatic filters that will catch and remove 95% of allergens.
- Dehumidifiers
These practical devices cool the air and condense moisture, catching it in a bucket that you can empty. These are especially useful in enclosed spaces like bedrooms, basements, and closets. If you want to pull moisture for even smaller spaces, like an armoire, you should consider a desiccant. Dehumidifiers must also be cleaned regularly. Otherwise they are also magnets for mold. These devices also tend to generate heat, so many homeowners use them in conjunction with the air conditioning.
- Air Purifier
Another option is a machine that circulates air and pulls out allergens. But just like filters for the HVAC system, all air purifiers not alike. If you have a health problem or severe allergy that requires immaculate air, then you want to find a whole home purifier. Otherwise, for less severe allergies, a smaller purifier should suffice.
Call Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning for A/C Maintenance
If you haven’t had your duct work inspected and your air conditioner cleaned and maintained then now is the time. Call before summer settles in around San Jose, CA. Call us today at (408) 978-7060 or stop by 1045 N 10th St San Jose, CA 95112.