It may feel cozy being sealed in tight against the cold in your home during the chillier months of the year, but for people who are sensitive to indoor allergens or have respiratory problems, winter can exacerbate problems. Stale indoor air and heating systems can increase the amount of allergy-inducing dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores circulating through your house. In late winter and early spring, it may still be too chilly to throw open the windows to pull out the musty air, so while you await the warmer weather it’s important to be aware of some of the allergy and respiratory triggers that may be lurking in your surroundings.
Crawl Space Inspection
- The foundation is among the essential component of the structural integrity of the house. Over time, this place can become an invitation to many vermin, rodents, and other pests. House owners need crawl space inspection because many health problems come with pesky pests. Besides, mold and moisture can cause structural damage to the house. Crawl space cleaning in Seattle, WA helps in improving the indoor quality of your house and keeping those pesky pests from invading the crawlspace of your house.
- The crawl space is a convenient place for plumbing, electrical wiring, HVAC units, and ductwork, but it can also cause many problems if it’s not properly maintained. Crawl space cleaning renton can identify the major problems. If you notice any of the following issues, you should call for an expert immediately:
- Condensation
- Pest infestations
- Wood rot
- Interior drywall cracks
- Mildew or mold
- High energy bills
- Musty odor
- Bouncy, sagging, or uneven floors
- High humidity or dampness
- Cold floor during winter
Keep it clean
A clean house may be a healthier house, because good indoor hygiene can greatly cut down on dust and animal dander, says Dr. BuSaba. Your cleaning efforts should focus on strategies to reduce the accumulation of pet dander, mold, and dust lurking in your home. Focus on the following:
- Vacuuming the carpets and area rugs at least once or twice a week with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. Opting for hard-surface flooring instead of wall-to-wall carpeting may also cut down on allergens in the home.
- Regularly cleaning bedding, drapes, and other items that tend to attract allergens—particularly if you have pets. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends washing in water that is at least 130° F. Also consider using dust mite–proof covers on pillows, as well as mattresses and box springs, whenever possible.
- Clearing clutter, because it traps and holds dust that can trigger a reaction.
Keep the greenery outdoors
In-door plants are pretty, but they can also collect and foster the growth of mold. So, if indoor allergens are a problem, you’ll want to avoid them, says Dr. BuSaba.
While some plants are touted as helping to improve indoor air quality because they release oxygen, they are still allergy triggers for many people. “On balance, they create more problems than they help,” he says.
Change your filters
If you have a forced-air heating system, be certain to change the filters regularly, says Dr. BuSaba. Electrostatic filters can help ensure that dust and other airborne irritants get trapped instead of being recirculated throughout your home.
Also consider having your ducts cleaned to remove trapped dust. This may not always be advisable, but it helps in some cases. The Environmental Protection Agency offers advice on making this decision at https://www.health.harvard.edu/iaq.
Invest in an air purifier
If you’re allergic to indoor allergens and can’t control the source of the problem — for example, you’re unwilling to give up your family pet — it may help to use an air purifier, says Dr. BuSaba. Placed in the most commonly used areas of the house, these devices, in particular ionic purifiers, can help capture some of the irritants that may trigger your symptoms. You’re probably not going to be able to remove these allergens completely, but you can cut down on them, which may help the problem.
Also consider a dehumidifier in damp areas, such as a basement, to help prevent the growth of mold. Ensure that bathrooms, another potential source of mold, are well ventilated as well and scrub off any visible mold that collects in the shower, on fixtures, or walls.
Let the fresh air in
Even in the cold months, open windows from time to time to allow fresh air to move into the house. Also, move potential air contaminants out by using fans in the kitchen to remove cooking fumes.
