There are plenty of environmental and lifestyle factors that can impact your asthma, but did you know that your house could be one of them? The air quality in your home has a lot more to do with your asthma than you might think, and bad air quality can silently impact your comfort and health.
Asthma and Indoor Air Quality
Breathing comes easily to most, but for the 3.8 million Canadians that suffer from asthma, breathing can be a challenge. An affliction like asthma, which swells the airways, is hard to handle as it is, but it can be made much worse by external factors. Indoor air quality is one of those factors. A sudden increase in asthmatic symptoms could be a result of lowered air quality in your home – luckily, it’s usually an easy fix.
Allergens – What Are They and How Do They Affect You?
Consider how much time you spend in your home each day. When you add up the hours, it’s no surprise that your home’s air quality can seriously impact your asthma.
Allergens are one of the most common reasons for asthma attacks. Unfortunately, we’re surrounded by allergens. Whether it’s dust mites, pet dander, or mold, you may be exposed to allergens multiple times a day, even inside your own home.
While your HVAC system’s air filters are designed to capture these allergens, filters are not 100% effective. Allergen-filled air can be recirculated around your home and mold can form in your duct system, which then cycles into the air in your home. This worsened air quality leads to asthma attacks and other long-term health issues.
How Can You Avoid Allergens in Your Home?
Change Your Air Filters
Your air filter is an essential first line of defense when it comes to reducing allergens in your home. How frequently you need to change your air filter depends on a variety of factors, so do your research on how often your filter needs to be replaced. When you buy a new filter, consider investing in a high-quality air filter. For people with asthma, a higher-quality air filter can make a significance difference in your health.
The effectiveness of an air filter is measured through MERV (minimum efficiency recording value) ratings. These ratings range from 1-20, with high-efficiency filters typically rated at 14 or higher. HEPA filters, rated between 17-20, are particularly good at capturing allergens. However, these filters aren’t recommended for most central HVAC systems, so make sure to talk to an HVAC expert before installing one.
Have Your Air Duct Professionally Cleaned
Worsening allergy or asthma symptoms are among many signs that you should have your air ducts cleaned. A buildup of dust and allergens in your duct system will lead to these allergens being circulated around your home, even if you have a high-quality air filter.
Duct cleaning services can instantly improve your air quality. Ducts should be cleaned every year to two years, so if you’re overdue for a cleaning, it’s time to contact your duct cleaning professionals in Edmonton.
Lower Your Humidity
Dust mites are one of the worst allergens when it comes to triggering asthma attacks, and research has found that they thrive in humid environments. By keeping your humidity levels under control, you can heavily reduce the amount of dust mites found in your home.
Vacuum Regularly
If allergens are in your home, they’ll be continually circulated by your HVAC system. Vacuuming (especially if your house has lots of carpet) is key to getting rid of those allergens for good.
Schedule Professional HVAC Cleaning in Edmonton
Whether you need an air conditioner, furnace, or dryer vent cleaning, Clean Air Solutions is here to help. Our professional cleaning services will ensure your home has the highest air quality possible, so you can breathe easy. Contact us to book your cleaning today!
