Studies have shown that the air quality in the average home is significantly worse than what’s outside. This can be especially bad during the summer and winter months as heating and cooling units send allergens airborne. If the allergens inside your home are bad, you know all too well how miserable it can be. However, by taking a few simple, inexpensive steps, you can help remove things like mold and dust from the air.

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HVAC Cleaning

Before you consider running your central heating or air conditioning, consider what’s lying in wait inside of the ductwork. Years of mold, dander and dust linger inside. When the unit runs, these allergens are blown into the air where they’re readily inhaled. It’s recommended that you have your home’s HVAC system cleaned every three to five years to help keep allergens under control. Especially in humid places like Baton Rouge, mold remediation in your HVAC system is an important service you should schedule to keep your air free from pathogens and mold.

Furnace Filters

If you have a central heating and cooling unit, you may have noticed that it contains an air filter. The air that leaves the unit flows through this filter, but only if it’s not clogged with dirt and dust. You should change this filter at least every three months and check it monthly. You may also wish to consider replacing it with a variety made for allergen reduction, such as a HEPA type filter. For a little more money, you can find filters that remove up to 90 percent of mold and dander from the air.

Air Purifiers

Air purifiers are a popular tool in the war on allergies, but you must choose the correct capacity for your room size. More powerful units can efficiently clean the air in a typical large family room. Whole-house models are also available. Houseplants are another option. Plants have a remarkable ability to pull pollutants and allergens from the air. Some plants are better than others at removing certain things, however. For instance, spider plants are most adept at capturing formaldehyde, xylene, mold spores and fecal particles. Meanwhile, peace lilies are better able to capture dust and a broader range of chemical contaminants.

Eliminate Leaks

Is your home subject to leaks and minor seasonal flooding? If so, this is a serious vector for mold, especially in hidden areas like walls, ceilings and attics. Eliminating these leaks is critical for avoiding rampant mold-induced allergies. If you can’t find and repair the leaks yourself, you may require professional assistance. Afterward, it’s recommended to begin remediation to clean up the mold.

Set Pet Boundaries

If you have pets at home, you should know that they’re a common source of indoor allergies. Besides their own dander, pets also carry pollen, mold and dust in their fur. It can be helpful to set boundaries on where pets are allowed in your home. Keep them out bedrooms, closets and other places where allergens can cause the most trouble.

Because indoor allergies can be so miserable to live with, it’s important to take steps to control the problem. With the above tips, you can regain control over the air quality in your home, and therefore over your daily life.