Filter the Air
Improve Ventilation
Keeping allergens at bay requires a full assault. In addition to minimizing the allergens that enter the home and keeping dust and pollen off of surfaces, rely on air filtration systems to take out additional allergens. There are countless types to choose from, but primarily, you can either use a single-room unit or rely on a whole-house system. In reality, you’ll probably do a combination of both. Use room units for sleeping and lounging areas to reduce allergens in a particular space. For a whole-house approach, use your home’s central furnace system to circulate and filter air. Just be sure to replace your furnace filter every one to three months, and be aware that it’s expensive to run air conditioning, so just run the fan if you don’t need to cool things down. Also, invest in high-quality HEPA filters for the central furnace, individual units, and the vacuum. If they are reusable, set a schedule to clean them often.
While you may be able to filter out allergens with air filters, start by reducing irritants with effective ventilation. Use the kitchen fan when cooking and open windows when pollen isn’t a concern. Try keeping your windows and doors open late in the evening or even overnight when pollen counts are lower. Also use your bathroom exhaust fan anytime you shower, and open a window if available. Ventilating the space doesn’t necessarily remove allergens from the air, but it can decrease smells, grease, and moisture. It’s also effective in keeping mold and mildew from forming. Dehumidify Many bugs seek out humid environments. Work year- round to reduce humidity in the home by cleaning up water spills, eliminating drips, and pulling moisture out of the air. An efficient dehumidifier can also help reduce moisture from damp areas like the basement, bathrooms, laundry room, and kitchen so that mold and mildew can’t form. Just remember to empty the water bin in your dehumidifier often if you have one.
13
May 2025
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