Reduce Allergies in Your Home By Reducing Dust

Dust, dust mites and other allergens annoy all of us. For someone with asthma or other sensitivities, dust can trigger coughing, wheezing, stuffy nose, skin rash and more severe allergic reactions. You can reduce allergies in your Broken Arrow home by reducing the amount of dust that enters and collects inside your home.

Air Filters

By keeping windows closed and using your HVAC system, you reduce allergies by reducing the amount of contaminants that enter your home. Before air enters your living area it passes through the air filter. This filter traps pollen, pet hair and other pollutants. These particles collect on the filter surface and eventually will restrict air flow. With too much buildup, dust begins to break loose and enter your air. It is important to change air filters on a regular basis for them to perform effectively.

The more expensive, high efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) do not necessarily last longer. They trap smaller particles and may need to be replaced more often. Not all HVAC systems are designed for these dense filters. Too much air restriction could result in system damage as well as air leaks and defeat the original intent of the filter. Consult with an HVAC technician before switching to HEPA filters. If reducing allergies is a major concern for you, you may benefit from a whole-house air purifier.

Cleaning

• Run a damp mop over hard surfaces each day.

• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Paper bag vacuum filters allow dust to re-enter the air.

• To further reduce allergies: Wet-vacuum and use a steamer when possible. Wet-vacuum cleaning washes the carpets and the heat from steam cleaning kills dust mites.

• Choose tight-weave pillow and mattress covers. They are easier to clean and dust is less likely to penetrate.

Contact Air Assurance for more information about protecting the air inside your home. We began serving the residential and commercial HVAC system needs of the Tulsa metropolitan area in 1985. Our experts will evaluate yours system and consult with you so that you can make informed decisions about maintaining your air quality and HVAC system.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). 

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Dealing With Dust: What Is It, and How Should You Treat It?

Dealing With Dust: What Is It, and How Should You Treat It?

Dust is everywhere. Fighting it is a constant struggle. Following are some tips that will help you when you're dealing with dust in your home.What is dust?It's commonly believed that dirt and dust are the same things, but that's not the case. Dirt is earth, broken down into fine particles.Dust, on the other hand, is composed of fine particles from a variety of sources, including dead skin cells, mites, pollen, pet dander, clothing fibers, decaying insects and some dirt from the street that may blow into your house. Breathing in these components can be quite harmful, especially if you or your family members suffer from respiratory issues like asthma or allergies.How do you treat your home?Treating your Tulsa area home for dust issues doesn't have to be difficult, but if you want to make an impact, you must be diligent. Here are some quick tips that you can start using today:

• Use microfiber cloths -- Feather dusters will do more to spread contaminants around your home than actually contain them. Microfiber cloths attract these contaminants and hold them.

• Wash your bed linens and area rugs frequently -- Use hot water to get rid of dust mites.

• Change your air filter -- Your HVAC system's air filter should be changed every month. These filters catch airborne particles, but once they're clogged up, their usefulness is reduced.

• Invest in an air cleaner -- A great way to remove pet dander, fibers and a whole slew of other airborne particles is to use an air cleaner. These units will greatly improve your home's indoor air quality.

• Vacuum frequently -- Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter for maximum impact.

For more expert advice on dealing with dust, or for any other home comfort concerns, please don't hesitate to enlist the help of Air Assurance. Our professionals have been serving the HVAC needs of the Greater Tulsa Metropolitan area since 1985.Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock