Beat fall allergies one closed window at a time
The days are a little bit shorter. The nights are a little bit colder. And those heating and air conditioning systems don’t have to work as hard to keep your home at the right temperature. Fall is definitely in full swing, and we’re loving every minute of it. BUT, although it can be tempting to open up the windows and let in those cool fall breezes (particularly after a brutally hot summer), you may want to stop and think about indoor air quality.
Not only is fall infamous for its cooler temperatures, but it is also (like spring) a prime time for allergies. This can put a real damper on the nicer weather and start to the holiday season. Luckily, we have some tips that you can keep in mind as we go through fall.
- Keep the windows…closed! It’s a good idea to air out
your home every once in a while to prevent stuffiness. But, you don’t want to overdo it. Open windows and doors let allergens right into your home without being treated by your HVAC system. Instead of opening windows, consider turning your thermostat to the ON fan position for a while. - Change your furnace filter. While we’re discussing your HVAC system, it’s important that you keep your furnace filter fresh. It’s your first line of defense against allergens.
- Get your ducts cleaned. Lots of gross things can be lurking in your ductwork. Have your contractor come out and clean your ductwork and get rid of all those creepy crawlies.
- Keep your home clean. Dust and allergens can accumulate on the surface of your home. If you regularly dust and keep things shiny, they are less likely to aggravate your health.
So, what do you do to keep your home free from allergens during the fall?