Allergy season hit Ontario hard this year – in fact, it was reported that this year’s allergy season was one of the worst in years due to a combination of circumstances such as a snowy winter and delayed spring. What’s worse – an amalgamation of pollens has occurred, causing an increase in allergy symptoms ... and allergy season has just begun.
With such a high level of outdoor allergens, you may be spending more time inside. But did you know your home’s air quality may contain just as many allergens as outdoor air?
Indoor air pollution is just as likely to trigger an allergic response. Why? Because indoor air often contains higher levels of contaminants than outdoor air. Breathing in mold, pet dander, dust, animal droppings and pollen can lead to allergic reactions – and these contaminants may all be present in your air ducts.
When you turn on your home’s air conditioner, these contaminants are vented back into the air you breathe. If you find yourself experiencing symptoms of an allergic response, such as coughing, constant sneezing, a runny or stuffed nose, and itchy, watery eyes, while you are inside your home, it's time to implement some steps to improve your home’s air quality.
Step 1 | Clean Your Air Ducts
Cleaning your home’s air ducts will have a dramatic impact on your home’s air quality. Air ducts can be home to pet hair, dust, building materials, bacteria and fungal growth, which are fed throughout your home every time your HVAC system runs. Not only can these cause an allergic response, it can also cause respiratory infections and sickness, and create a dangerous fire hazard.
Step 2 | Buy Some Houseplants
There are certain houseplants that will not only improve the quality of air in your home, but will also collect pollen and pollutants in their leaves. The top plants recommended for relieving allergies are:
· Mums and Peace Lillies
· Golden Pothos and Philodendron
· Gerbera Daisies
· Areca Palm
· Lady Palm and Bamboo Palm
· Dracaena
These plants are known to remove toxins and allergens from the air.
Step 3 | Control Dust Mites
You can easily reduce dust build-up in your home by increasing the frequency of cleaning. Vacuum more often, or even consider removing carpeting and replacing with hardwood or linoleum flooring. In your bedroom, look for dust-mite proof covers and be sure to wash your bedding once per week. Consider choosing easy-to-clean furnishing such as chairs and dressers made of leather, wood or metal, and choose washable curtains made of plain cotton or synthetic fabric.
Step 4 | Stop Using Chemical Pollutants
Harsh chemicals, from your household cleaners to synthetic fragrances, can emit pollutants into the air. These chemicals circulate throughout your home’s air ducts and can linger in each room, causing you to continuously inhale harmful contaminants.
Step 5 | Reduce Humidity
Try to limit use of humidifiers and improve your home’s ventilation. Dust mites aren’t the only contaminant that thrives in humid environments; fungal contaminants like mold will flourish in moist areas.
Ready to take the first step in reducing allergens and improving air quality?
Contact us today for a free quote for residential air duct cleaning!
Georgian Duct Cleaning is a family owned business in Simcoe County with over 20 years experience working with residential, commercial and industrial HVAC ducts. Call us for a free quote or for more information. (705) 722-5952 or 1-800-363-2563
