If you have asthma sufferers in your home, you know how the smallest irritants can stir up big trouble. Keeping the air in your Beaumont home clean is an ongoing battle. Equip yourself for the fight against mold, mildew, dust, and other irritants with smart tools and timely tasks. Incorporating the right cleaning routines in your regular schedule will keep the air clean and breathable for everyone in your home.
Changing Your HVAC Filter
You should change the filter in your HVAC system once a month to keep the air as clean as possible for asthma sufferers. This job takes just a few seconds and will improve energy efficiency as well as air quality. Keep a three- to six-month supply of clean filters on hand so you’re ready to make a quick swap each month. If you have a humidifier or other air cleaner, make sure you’re changing its filter on a regular basis as well.
Running Exhaust Fans
Run your exhaust fans any time there’s added moisture in the air, such as during a shower or while you’re cooking. Exhaust fans keep air circulating and prevent mold and mildew growth.
Don’t forget to clean neglected exhaust fan filters regularly, too. Remove the greasy buildup from a range hood filter by soaking it in hot water with a squirt of dish soap and 1/4 cup baking soda. To clean the exhaust fan in your bathroom, remove the cover, unplug the fan, and remove the fan blades. Use a damp microfiber cloth to remove the accumulated dust.
Vacuuming with a HEPA Filter
HEPA filters capture at least 90 percent of all particles 0.3 microns in diameter or larger. While these filters are available for some HVAC systems, most homes are not equipped with an air conditioner or furnace that can accommodate a HEPA filter. Residential systems simply lack the power needed to suck air through a HEPA filter. It’s much more feasible to purchase a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Vacuum your home at least once or twice a week to capture asthma triggers like dust mites, mold spores, and pollen.
Scheduling HVAC Maintenance
You should schedule an HVAC tuneup twice a year. Call your technician once in early spring to service your air conditioner and again in fall for your heater. These maintenance visits include a thorough cleaning that will reduce dust and other irritants circulating through your home. Talk to your HVAC technician about a duct cleaning as well.
Washing Laundry in Hot Water
Using the hottest water possible for your laundry will help kill dust mites. These are a common trigger for allergy sufferers, so it’s always better to err on the side of safety and avoid the cold setting when possible. This is particularly true for sheets and other bedding materials. Don’t forget to launder all your household linens on a regular basis. This includes rugs, curtains, throw pillow covers, throw blankets, and bedspreads.
Cleaning with Gentle Products
The harsh chemicals commonly found in commercial cleaning products can irritate airways and exacerbate asthma problems. Avoid anything with an artificial aroma added to it and use natural cleaning products instead. For example, you can handle many messes with a simple solution of vinegar and dish soap.
Keeping the Bathroom Dry
Run through a quick cleaning routine every time you’re in the bathroom to keep it in top condition. The bathroom is a prime breeding ground for mold and mildew, both of which can bother asthma sufferers. Keep a spare towel on hand to dry off the tub and shower when you step out. If you have a bath mat in the bottom of your tub, pick it up and lay it upside down over the edge of the tub so it dries out between uses. Lingering moisture is an open invitation for problematic growths.
To learn more about improving indoor air quality in your Texas home, contact Thermacon Service Company, Inc. at 866-797-1535. We offer the technology and services you need to keep asthma sufferers comfortable and healthy in your home.
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