Pollen Alert! How To Keep Your Home Allergen Free

If you’re living with allergies in Cape Coral, Florida, you probably know very well how bad things can get. There are mold spores, pollen, and other allergens year-round, but it’s the pollen spike in spring that’s often a major problem. Fortunately, you don’t have to be held captive by your allergies. With the right indoor air quality strategy, you can make your home a virtual allergy-free haven.

Active Air Cleaning

The most basic tools for managing air quality are high-quality HVAC filters. Any filter will remove some particulates, but high-efficiency HVAC filters are better at snagging pollen and other allergens. Air filter performance is rated on the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) scale, which runs from one to 20. A rating of six is often seen as a bare minimum, but higher ratings offer better filtration. However, high-MERV filters may not work well in every system, so it’s a good idea to consult a professional.

If a high-efficiency filter isn’t possible with your HVAC system, you can also upgrade to an air purifier. Air purifiers use advanced technologies to scrub the air even more effectively, removing most common indoor allergens. Indeed, many air purifiers are capable of eliminating up to 99.98 percent of airborne particles from your home. If you’re having trouble controlling pollen and other allergens at home, an air purification system is hard to beat.

Eliminating Allergen Sources

In addition to considering air cleaning solutions, it’s also important to eliminate allergens in your home at the source. One way to do this is by scheduling occasional HVAC duct cleanings. A professional duct cleaning removes many of the particulates that collect inside your ducts and spread throughout your home.

It’s also important to keep your windows and doors closed during times of high pollen levels. It’s helpful to vacuum at least twice a week as well. For best results, use a vacuum that’s equipped with a HEPA filter. If your allergies are particularly severe, it may even be worth replacing carpeted floors with wood or other hard surfaces.

Don’t live your life at the mercy of pollen and other allergens. If you’re an allergy sufferer in Cape Coral, Florida, check out Spectrum Air Conditioning and Refrigeration’s indoor air quality services or give us a call at (239) 785-2149.