1. Turn on your A/C. Your
air conditioning system not only filters the air inside your home, it
helps remove excess moisture that can lead to allergy-triggering mold and
mildew. Buy a humidity gauge at a home improvement store; if your home's
humidity registers above 50% with the air conditioner on, your system may not
be sized properly.
2. Change your furnace filter.
Inspecting and replacing your furnace filter regularly helps your HVAC system
filter out allergens more efficiently.
3. Leave your shoes at the door.
And change your clothes after spending time outdoors. Otherwise you're simply
tracking in pollen and other outdoor allergens and distributing them throughout
your home.
4. Wash sheets and pillowcases weekly in hot water. Encasing pillows, mattresses and box springs in plastic covers
will also help control the growth of dust mites.
5. Install an air purifier like the PureAir™
Air Purification System from Lennox.
Air purifiers remove small, breathable particles of dust, dirt, pollen and
allergens to improve your home's air quality. The PureAir system also removes
airborne mold spores, bacteria, viruses, odors and chemical vapors to help you
breathe a sigh of relief.
6. Kill mold now. If
you're allergic to pollen and pet dander, you're probably sensitive to mold
spores, too. Mold loves to grow where it's warm and damp (like the bathroom),
so each week clean bath mats in hot water and clean the corners of your shower
or tub. Always turn on the ventilation fan while you're taking a shower.
7. Use a germicidal light to kill contaminants. Ultraviolet lights like the Healthy
Climate® UV Germicidal Light attach to your home's furnace or air
handler, destroying contaminants at their source and removing them before the
air is recalculated into your home.
8. Target pests.
Cockroaches and mice have allergens in their saliva and droppings that can make
you sneeze. Be sure to clean regularly under your stove and refrigerator to
remove crumbs, and don't leave dishes in the sink.
9. Vacuum using a HEPA filter system or double-layer bags. Dust mites take up residence in your living room, bedroom,
anywhere there's upholstery and carpet. Use the vacuum's upholstery attachment
to remove pet hair from furniture, and keep pets off chairs as much as
possible.
10. Remove clutter.
Knickknacks, books, magazines and stuffed animals collect dust. Store them away
in plastic bins to keep your home cleaner.
