Why Do My Allergies Get Worse When I Get Home?
If your first thought at the mention of allergies is pollen and grass, you aren’t alone. Most people think of outdoor allergens when the topic comes up. Pollen and other outdoor culprits are responsible for itchy, watery eyes, stuffy noses, and sneezing every year when springtime arrives.
However, what is inside your house may be causing some of your worst allergy symptoms. So if you have allergy symptoms when you are in your home, or you notice frequent headaches, shortness of breath, or fatigue and aren’t sick, indoor air allergens may be the cause.
Here are some top causes of indoor allergens and what you can do about them:
Pet Dander
Your pets are constantly shedding dander on your carpets, bedding, and upholstery. Pet dander is a common allergen; even if you aren’t allergic now, the allergy can develop anytime, causing mild to severe symptoms.
Pet dander symptoms include eye and nose irritation, sneezing, hives, and asthma attacks. In addition, some breeds and types of pets are more prone to dander, and if you are sensitive, it’s worth researching which breeds of dogs and cats are less likely to cause irritation.
Frequent grooming, vacuuming, and dusting are good ways to keep pet dander under control. Brushing your pet and feeding them a healthy diet for their skin is also helpful. Regular steam cleaning of carpets and upholstery is necessary if you have pets, as is a HEPA air filter for the home.
Your HVAC System
This is an often overlooked cause of poor indoor air quality. Maintaining your HVAC system is one of the best ways to avoid problems. Filters need to be changed regularly, so make an appointment with your HVAC specialist to perform seasonal air duct cleaning maintenance at least once or twice a year.
Dust Mites In The Carpet
No matter how clean you keep your home, these microscopic critters will still find their way in. Dust mites occur everywhere, and they love to gather in drapes, carpets, upholstery, and bedding. Dust mites are responsible for itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, stuffy nose, headaches, and skin irritation. In individuals with asthma, it can even trigger attacks.
Dust mite allergies are common, and while it’s impossible to eliminate them in your home, you can reduce them with regular vacuuming, bedding, window coverings, rugs, drapes and upholstery cleaning. HEPA filters are also helpful.
In addition to the dust mites and allergens that come from within your home, outdoor allergens can get trapped in your carpet, upholstery, and drapes. The combination of indoor and outdoor allergens can cause everything from stuffy noses to headaches, fatigue, and skin problems.
Chemicals
It may surprise you to learn how many chemicals you are exposed to in your own home. Some common chemicals that can irritate the lungs, skin, and nose are perfumes, hairspray, household cleaning products, paint, and detergents.
Be mindful of harsh chemicals and avoid them when possible. Use non-toxic cleaning products; if you must use harsh chemicals, use them only in well-ventilated areas.
Smoke
Cigarette smoke is a severe allergen that irritates the respiratory system and gets “stuck” in carpets, furnishings, draperies, and even the walls. The best way to deal with cigarette smoke residue is to clean all surfaces, including rugs, drapes, carpets, and air filters. Open the windows.
Mold
Mold develops anyplace humidity thrives. However, it can become a problem during winter when the air is humid, leaks occur, and water gets trapped in and under surfaces resulting in condensation. These events, coupled with the humidity caused by indoor heating, make a breeding ground for mold.
Mold is a common allergen that gets worse over time. So the best action is to track down and clean any areas where mold has developed. This includes windows, carpets, underneath furniture, in the bathroom, in and around heating and cooling areas, and basements.
The Importance of Cleaning Air Ducts
Cleaning air ducts is one of the most essential actions to help eliminate mold and mildew and improve indoor air quality from being affected by chemical product contaminants, and micro-organisms such as pet dander, pollen, bacteria, smoke, dust mites and more.
By regularly cleaning air ducts you are protecting people sensitive to airborne particles and those with respiratory problems and allergies. It also promotes healthier living for all sharing the space.
Breathe Easier Inside Your Home by Tackling Indoor Allergens
As we conclude, the best ways to clear your home of indoor allergens are to keep areas subject to mold growth, carpets and upholstery clean; have your HVAC system filters inspected and replaced, and regularly schedule air duct cleanings by an air duct cleaning professional. You can open the windows for a breath of fresh air, but in this case, you are allowing pollen to spread indoors. Air duct cleaning will take care of this as well.
To avoid all of these indoor air quality issues that can affect your allergies and overall health, contact Lintless Dryer Vent Cleaning. We are a professional air duct cleaning that is ready to service you.