Living in a home infested with excessive allergens can get in the way of your daily routine. Constantly breathing in harmful irritants will leave you with symptoms like headaches, fatigue, runny noses and more. Here are a few of the most common allergens that are found in Frisco, TX homes.
1. Fungal Spores
Excessive airborne moisture will raise your home’s humidity level over time, which can lead to issues with condensation, pests and biological growth. Many moisture problems start in your basement and work their way upstairs via your HVAC system, but fungal outbreaks can also start in typically wet areas like your kitchen or bathroom.
Spores are dangerous to both your family members and your pets. For example, some toxic varieties will irritate your lungs and lead to prolonged respiratory illnesses. Common signs of inhaling fungal spores include shortness of breath and other sudden-onset allergy symptoms.
2. Dust
Dust is an allergen you can’t escape no matter the size of your home or how often you clean. Many people are specifically sensitive to dust mites, which are microscopic organisms that feed on dust. In particularly dusty houses, you’re likely to find visible debris on your surfaces and clogging up your air filter.
Lower the amount of dust in your home by regularly dusting, vacuuming and washing your drapery. Consider investing in better HVAC filters that can pull more debris from the air. A professional duct cleaning can also help limit particulate buildup in your ductwork.
3. Pollen
Pollen is a form of powdery grain that most often comes from flowering trees and vegetation in the spring. While it originates outside, it can quickly spread into your home and cause debilitating sinus headaches.
To keep your living spaces free of pollen, consider leaving your shoes outdoors and making sure you shut your windows. Those with extreme allergies should change out of their clothes and immediately shower when returning home. Consider investing in a high-efficiency air scrubber to eliminate most airborne contaminants, including pollen grains.
4. Pet Dander
The majority of households in the United States have at least one furry friend, making pet dander a leading factor in indoor air quality. Pets frequently rub up on your furniture, which releases skin cells and hair potentially infected by urine and feces. Outdoor animals like dogs also track in dirt, bugs, spores and more.
Fortunately, you can get rid of excess pet dander by regularly brushing and washing your pet. Be sure to clean up afterward so none of the fur or dander makes its way into your HVAC system; bathing your pet outside, when possible, may help.
Inside your home, it’s vital to keep your pets off your upholstery and to vacuum at least once a week. Households with pets should invest in air filters with higher MERV ratings, which often last longer. The one-month fiberglass varieties won’t be enough to maintain healthy air quality.
5. Pest Debris
Pests like mice, rats and cockroaches may also be contributing to your unexplained allergy symptoms. These vermin and insects have the potential to carry diseases into your home, affecting your insulation, ductwork and living areas. For example, the enzymes in a cockroach’s saliva and excrement can cause respiratory distress and uncomfortable skin reactions.
It’s best to rely on professional help to remove any pests from your home. After they’re gone, call experienced indoor comfort technicians to scrub and sanitize your HVAC system, vents and ductwork. Thoroughly removing any lingering pest debris will protect your loved ones and minimize the risk of another infestation.
In addition to maintaining a thorough cleaning routine, you also need to invest in the care of your HVAC systems to keep pesky allergens at bay. Choosing the right filters and professional tune-up services can make a huge difference in your overall indoor air quality. Contact our experts at All Service Heating & Air today to schedule your superior HVAC maintenance appointment.
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