Summer allergies are an unavoidable misery in many Calgary households. While it’s unlikely you’ll be able to completely remove all allergens from your home, there are things you can do to significantly reduce the amount of dust, pollen and other allergy-triggering substances in your indoor air. Regular HVAC maintenace and cleaning can also help to keep things running smoothly and promote clean air indoors.
5 Tips to Improve Indoor Air Quality
1. Keep HVAC System Filters Clean
Change the filters in your home cooling once a month if they are dirty. Otherwise, change filters every three months. Filters capture and remove allergens and particulates from your home’s air as it flows through your HVAC system. Use a high-MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value) filter for more effective removal of dust, pollen and other allergens.
2. Install Air Cleaners
Air cleaners and purifiers are very good at removing airborne allergens. They are installed within your cooling system so that all the air moving through the system also flows through the air cleaner. Highly efficient filters remove particulates from the air. Air cleaners are available that provide filtration at HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) levels of 17-20 MERV.
3. Apply Ultraviolet (UV) Light
UV light kills biological contaminants and allergens in your home’s air, such as mold, bacteria and other microorganisms. UV light systems are also installed so that they can treat all the air flowing through your HVAC system.
4. Clean, Vacuum and Dust Regularly
Clean your home at least weekly to cut down on the accumulation of dust and other items that might trigger summer allergies. Vacuum rugs and carpets; dust shelves, counter tops and furnishings; and clean furniture coverings and fabric furnishings thoroughly.
5. Stop the Growth of Mold
Thoroughly clean your bathroom regularly, paying particular attention to corners of tubs and shower stalls and other hard-to-reach areas. Clean bath mats and shower curtains with a hot water and bleach solution or a commercial cleaner. Use the ventilating fan when you are showering or using water.
Arpi’s Industries Ltd. has been providing expert HVAC and home comfort services to customers in Calgary, Alberta, and surrounding areas since the company’s founding over 55 years ago. Contact us today for more information on what you can do to take better control of summer allergies and keep your indoor environment more comfortable.
