There’s nothing worse than sneezing your way through allergy season. Between the itchy eyes, sore throat, and runny nose, allergy season is a miserable affair for allergy sufferers everywhere. There’s not much to do against the outside air when allergy season hits, other than allergy pills and tissues. But the good news is, you can make your home a haven from allergen invaders with a few handy tips from the air duct cleaning experts at California Steam Clean.
Don’t Invite Allergens to Stay
When the birds start singing and cool breezes are blowing, it’s tempting to fling open the windows and let in the summer air. Alas, that’s only inviting in allergy trouble. Opening windows and doors during the spring season allows allergens to enter the home. If you have air conditioning, keep your windows and doors closed and use the AC for cooling. Instead of opening windows to let in the summer air, if you don’t have AC, put a fan in the window to exhaust air out of the home. An exhaust fan will help keep things cooler in the house by pulling out hot air.
Clean Smarter, Not Harder
The first step to keeping dust, dander, and other allergens from plaguing the home is regular house cleaning. But don’t go around willy-nilly with a duster and broom – clean smarter! Clean each room in the house from the top down. Dust ceiling fans, windows, and top shelves first. Then, progress to cleaning your sheets, upholstery, and furniture. Your final step should be regular vacuuming to remove any fallen allergens from the floor at least twice a week. For efficient cleaning, consider using HEPA filtered vacuum cleaners and microfiber dusters that trap allergens as you clean.
Replace HVAC Filters
When was the last time you replaced your HVAC filters? For most people, the answer is… it’s been a while. Most people don’t replace HVAC filters often enough. In general, homes with allergy sufferers, pets, smokers, or in areas with large quantities of pollen need an HVAC filter replaced every month. More expensive models come with thicker weaves and better filtration, but they need replacing every three to six months. If you’ve noticed more dust motes in the air or an uptick in allergy symptoms, you probably need to replace your HVAC filter.
Invest In Air Duct Cleaning
Along with the HVAC filters, the air ducts of a house seldom get the regular cleaning they need. It’s an easy part of the home to forget, considering ductwork stays hidden from view. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association actually recommends that you have your HVAC ductwork cleaned professionally every five years. However, homes with smokers, allergy sufferers, or pets generally need cleaning every three years.
Added Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
A professional air duct cleaning by California Steam Clean does more for the home than just reduce allergens. Clean ductwork lowers energy costs and helps the air flow more smoothly through the house. Ultimately, professionally cleaned ductwork means cleaner air and better temperature regulation in the home.
If you’re ready to start breathing cleaner air in your home, give the team at California Steam Clean a call at (707) 755-7190. Our experts are ready to help with all your home cleaning needs, from ductwork to carpeting! Let us do the hard work for you while you enjoy the warmer weather allergy-free at home!
