Just because the hottest days of the years are behind you doesn’t mean you are safe from allergens. Many people with allergies still experience symptoms well into the fall. Learning what triggers allergy symptoms and how to limit them is essential to enjoying allergy season.
Common Allergy Triggers
Allergens can cause significant discomfort in both allergy sufferers and those with breathing conditions like asthma. Here are the most common triggers:
- Dust mites. These microscopic insects live on human skin flakes, which is why they thrive on bedding and clothing.
- Pet dander. Your fluffy pet sheds dander, a common allergen. Note that some breeds and animals produce fewer allergens than others.
- Mold spores. Small spores can rapidly grow and multiply in humid and warm conditions. Mold lowers your indoor air quality and can damage your home.
- Pollen. Produced by flowers, pollen can be tracked in on shoes, clothing or pets, or even blown in through the window.
Controlling Allergens
Most allergens are nearly impossible to eliminate, but there are steps you can take to reduce them. Start with increasing the frequency of simple chores like dusting, vacuuming and washing bedding. To ensure you maximize dust and pet dander intake, invest in a vacuum with a high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. Another simple solution is having guests take off their shoes when entering the home.
If you still have allergy issues, identify the cause. If your home has a high humidity, facilitating the growth of mold and bacteria, invest in a dehumidifier. If your pet is causing you grief, keep it outdoors when possible and give it a designated space in the home. Finally, for the highest level of protection and air quality, buy an advanced filtration system. These systems remove almost any harmful particles in the air.
If you need professional help outfitting your Los Angeles home’s HVAC system this allergy season for maximum comfort, contact Around the Clock Air Conditioning and Heating, Inc.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Los Angeles, North Hollywood and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about allergies and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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