Peachtree City’s mild climate may be pleasant, but it also makes winter allergies a likely problem. Taking a few simple steps to allergy-proof your home will help you enjoy the season without all of the sneezing.

Manage Your Humidity

Condensation and closed windows contribute to indoor humidity issues during the winter. High humidity encourages mold growth and dust mites, both of which can trigger allergies. To control your indoor humidity, always use your exhaust fans for a few minutes after cooking or showering.

If you suspect your home has humidity problems, hang a hygrometer on the wall. During the winter, it should read between 30 to 40 percent humidity. If the humidity is higher, consider installing a dehumidifier.

Clean Up the Allergens

Cedar trees, which release pollen during the winter, are a common cause of winter allergies. While you may not be able to keep pollen out of your home entirely, you can minimize the amount that gets in. Use a HEPA filter vacuum to clean your carpets and soft furniture at least once a week, and clean hard surfaces with a microfiber mop or cloth. You should also change your linens at least weekly and wash them at 130 degrees to kill dust mites.

Before bringing in your holiday tree, spray it down with a garden hose to remove allergens. If your allergy symptoms seem to worsen after bringing the tree in, you may be sensitive to mold spores or pine sap odor. Consider setting up an artificial tree instead.

Keep Your Home’s Air Pure

Those cheap 1-inch filters protect your furnace, but they won’t clean your air. To remove more pollen, mold spores, dust mites and other allergens, upgrade to a higher-efficiency pleated filter. Run your furnace as often as possible to keep your home’s air flowing through the filter.

You can make your bedroom an allergen-free zone by keeping pets and houseplants out. Bringing a portable air purifier into your bedroom can also help supplement your HVAC air filter or whole-house air cleaner.

For more help improving your indoor air quality and alleviating winter allergies, call Powers Heating & Air in Peachtree City today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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