If your indoor air seems musty or your allergies are acting up, you might need to reduce the allergens and chemicals in your home. A few simple steps can dramatically improve your home’s air quality. If air isn’t noticeably cleaner with the following changes, an HVAC contractor can help find a solution for creating better air quality.

How to Reduce Allergens in Your Home’s Air

1. Improve Ventilation

One way to get rid of bad indoor air is to replace it with some outdoor air. HVAC contractors will tell you that most heat and air conditioning systems don’t bring air in from the outside. To compensate, simply open the windows when the weather permits—even just a few hours can make a difference. Bathroom and kitchen fans that exhaust outdoors can help, too. 

2. Get Some Houseplants

A study by NASA found that houseplants are effective at removing chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia from the air. These natural filters are an easy way to improve your indoor air quality. Some of the best plants to grow include peace lily, English ivy, bamboo palm, weeping fig, spider plant, flamingo lily, and Boston fern. Even if you’re not good with plants, spider plants are one of the easiest to keep alive with very little care.

3. Check Your Humidity Levels

Ideally, your home’s humidity should be between 30-50%. Dust mites and mold thrive in high humidity, and they’ll greatly reduce your home’s air quality. Running a dehumidifier or air conditioner during the summer also keeps humidity in check.

4. Keep Your Air Filters and HVAC System Clean

Your air filters and HVAC system need to be cleaned regularly since the air in your home runs through them again and again, which can clog them with dust. Dust can contain dead skin, pet dander, pollen, and even mold. Air filters should be cleaned or changed every three to four months. Having your HVAC system cleaned every three to five years will keep it in good working order and keep you breathing clean, healthy air. 

If your HVAC system doesn’t run as efficiently as it once did, turn to the professionals at Kendall Heating & Air in Hiawassee, GA. Their experienced HVAC contractors have maintained, replaced, and repaired heating and cooling systems throughout the Towns County region for more than 40 years. They’re family-owned and -operated and dedicated to customer satisfaction. Visit their website or call (706) 896-0830 to receive a free estimate today.