Ragweed and other fall allergies can leave you feeling miserable even as the beautiful Maryland autumn sets in. For those who suffer from asthma, these allergens can act as a troubling trigger, further exasperating the symptoms. If you or your family members are dealing with fall asthma and allergy issues, keeping a clean house is an important part of your seasonal routine. Use these tips to keep the home as comfortable and trigger-free as possible.
Get Rid of Fall Leaves
Once those colorful fall leaves hit the ground, you should take action to get rid of them as soon as possible. These picturesque leaf piles are the perfect home for mold and mildew, which can trigger asthma or aggravate allergies. Clean out your gutters regularly to keep them free from the heavy buildup that falling leaves can cause. Rake your yard often and dispose of the leaves immediately. Keep compost and other waste piles far away from the home. A protective mask will make these jobs easier on your lungs.
Keep an Eye on Humidity
Ideal humidity levels are between 35 and 50 percent. If your home is too dry, airborne irritants can aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms. A whole house humidifier, such as those from Aprilaire, can help you maintain consistent humidity levels throughout the home for improved air quality and comfort.
While Maryland is typically dry in fall, you should still keep a sharp eye out for mold and mildew in damp areas of the home, such as the bathroom and kitchen. Clean these rooms regularly with vinegar for a natural way to avoid mold and mildew growth.
Close the Windows and Clean Your Air Conditioner
Though it’s tempting to open your windows to the cool fall air, this lets ragweed, pollen, and other irritants into your home. Keep your windows closed and use the air conditioner instead. Make sure your regular cleaning routine extends to the air conditioner. Change your filter once a month to get rid of dust, dirt, dander, and pollutants that build up in the folds.
Schedule Annual Maintenance
Before you turn your heater on for the season, you should schedule a full tune-up. During this visit, your HVAC technician will thoroughly clean the unit, getting rid of any dirt, dust, debris, or other irritants that have built up inside. This is one cleaning job you shouldn’t undertake on your own. Your technician will also tighten, lubricate, and inspect the system to catch potential problems early and keep everything in working order. Annual maintenance visits increase your heater’s efficiency and extend the life of your unit.
Launder Those Linens
You undoubtedly wash your sheets and towels on a regular basis, but there are many other linens in your home that can easily get overlooked. Fall is the perfect time to address things like curtains, rugs, throw pillows, bed skirts, duvet covers, and other items that you may not launder regularly. In many cases, you may find that it’s time to put these items into storage for the season in favor of heavier linens or holiday motifs for the fall and winter months.
Taking down window hangings or taking your rugs out for a beating is a dusty task. Plan to vacuum and dust immediately afterward to keep your home clean.
Whether you’re ready to schedule your annual heater maintenance to keep the home clean, or you’re looking for advanced air quality solutions to keep asthma and allergies under control, Griffith Energy Services can help. Contact us at (888) 474-3391 to learn more about how you can keep your home clean and healthy with the highest indoor air quality possible for your family.
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