For individuals prone to indoor allergies, winter can be a difficult season. Less time outside means more exposure to air that’s not as well circulated as what we breathe in nature. So, if you’re aggravated by things such as pet dander and dry air, you know that you need to prepare for the colder time of year that means more time indoors. Try these three ways to reduce airborne allergens at home this winter.
Control Humidity Levels
Image via Flickr by BeauGiles
As a homeowner thinks about air quality, they may limit the topic to how many contaminants pass through filters and into their lungs. But, regardless of the purity of your air, you also need to think about humidity levels. Too much and too little humidity can lead to problems. Too much humidity is associated with things such as dehydration and fatigue, and too little humidity can cause issues like dry skin and respiratory inflammation.
The risks of low humidity are especially dangerous in the winter when the air gets a bit dryer. Invest in a good humidifier to keep your air quality at a healthy level.
Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Regular HVAC maintenance is a good idea for many reasons. First, you want this essential appliance to run for as long and as efficiently as possible. Second, you want to ensure you’re a comfortable temperature during the peak summer and winter seasons. Finally, you want your indoor air to be as pure as possible.
Changing your HVAC filters as needed can go a long way toward reducing allergy symptoms in the winter. Swap in a new filter before the season kicks off. If you have pets, you may need to change them out again mid-Winter to ensure everyone in your home is breathing easy.
Think About Your Pets
Winter weather doesn’t just mean more time indoors for people. Your pets will also need to come inside as the temperature plummets. This means you’ll be more exposed to more pet dander (though your beloved animals will also be tracking in less dirt and other seasonal contaminants.) To prepare for this time of year, think about ways to reduce or manage pet dander.
Many people invest in air cleaners that use HEPA filters. These are known for trapping the minuscule particles that pets track indoors, ensuring that these allergens never enter your lungs. It’s also a good idea to create a “pet-free” zone in your home. Though you might love snuggling with your pets at night, it’s a good idea to institute a no-pets-in-bed rule — at least in the winter — if your fur babies tend to trigger allergy symptoms. You can also try the following to make your home an easier place to breathe with pets in the winter:
- Bathe your pets every week.
- Consider allergens that aren’t associated with your pets that may be triggering symptoms.
- Use over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms or invest in longer-term treatments such as allergy shots.
For many people, being indoors means suffering from allergies. If you fall into this category, try out these three ways to manage your symptoms when you head indoors for the winter.
