According to This Old House, common allergy triggers are dust mites, mold, pollen and pet dander. So start with these potential triggers. And if you’re not sure what your triggers may be, consider visiting your doctor or allergist to get some tests run to confirm allergens.
- Invest in the best air filters.
- Keep moisture out.
According to Health magazine, inside air can be somewhere between two and five times more polluted than the air we breathe outside. So invest in a top-notch air filter.
Know what to look for when you shop for an air filter. ABC News says that filters use MERV ratings to show how well a filter responds to dust. Your goal is to find an air filter with a high score, preferably a 12, and change the filter about four times every year. Keep a record of the date when you last changed your filter so that you know just when it’s time for a fresh one.
According to Prevention, it’s important to keep your home cool and dry. This helps to lower the chance of mold and dust mites taking over your house. And best of all, it decreases your chance of getting roaches. (Yuck!)
Researchers say that humidity should be less than 50 percent, and remember that dehumidifiers and the use of that good old AC can help. Purchase a hygrometer so that you know your home’s humidity level. You can find this neat little gadget at your favorite hardware or home improvement store.
You’ll want to clean and dry wet carpets within 24 hours. For example, if your basement carpet floods after heavy rains, you won’t want to put carpet cleaning off. And if this isn’t possible, you’ll want to replace the carpeting because mold may grow.
Further, consider getting rid of carpet altogether. Carpet can play host to lots of allergens. So think about ditching carpet and putting in hardwood, linoleum or tile floors.