Have you ever noticed that your allergy symptoms worsen in the winter? Poor indoor air quality is usually to blame for this. Spending more time indoors increases your exposure to allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and mold. Not to mention, dry air dries out the mucous membranes in the nose and throat, aggravating allergies and making you more susceptible to common winter illnesses.
What are the best ways to keep allergy triggers under control? Allison Air Conditioning lists some ideas in this blog post.
Lower indoor humidity. Dust mites–microscopic bugs that can cause skin rashes–thrive in humidity levels above 50%. Indoor humidity levels should be kept below 45%, though 35% is ideal. A dehumidifier can help keep indoor humidity levels under control.
What are the signs that indoor humidity levels are too high? Common ones include foggy windows, musty smells due to mold or mildew, and rotting wood.
Replace your furnace filter. As a rule, furnace filters should be replaced every 90 days. If you have pets, however, you’ll need to replace the filter more frequently. This is because pet hair and dander can quickly clog filters.
Install an air purifier. If household members have allergies or respiratory conditions, an air purifier would be a smart investment. Alternatively, you can look for an air conditioning system with stronger air purification capabilities.
What are the things you should look for in an air purifier?
- A CADR (Clean-Air Delivery Rate) rating above 300 – The CADR rating gives you an idea of how fast an air purifier can remove indoor pollutants.
- HEPA (High-efficiency particulate air) filter – Air purifiers with HEPA filters should be able to remove at least 99.97% of particulates measuring 0.3 micron in diameter. (Visible particles are usually 25 microns in size).
To help you find the right air purifier for your home, consult an air conditioning contractor.
Allison Air Conditioning offers premium cooling systems and air purifiers. To get a free estimate on new installations, call us at (951) 736-1101 or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Corona, CA. as well as the surrounding communities.