The air in your Middletown home may be dirtier than you think. Although your HVAC filter removes many particles from your air, allergens abound in the typical home, including pollen, mold and dust mites. Keeping your air clean is essential to good health, especially if you suffer from allergies. This room-by-room guide will help you allergy-proof your home so you can breathe easier.

Bedroom

• Wash your bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites.
• Vacuum your mattress thoroughly each week.
• Install a portable air cleaner near the head of your bed and keep it on while you sleep.
• Don't let clothes pile up on the floor or other surfaces. 

Living Room

• Don't use your fireplace if you have allergies. The smoke can exacerbate your symptoms.
• Opt for leather furniture rather than fabric upholstery, which holds on to allergens.
• Spread gravel over the dirt in your potted plants to prevent mold spores from becoming airborne.

Kitchen

• Keep your counters and sinks clean to prevent pests such as cockroaches, whose saliva is a potent allergen.
• Install a pest-proof lid on your garbage can.
• Turn on your stove vent while you cook to remove moisture and chemicals.

Bathroom

• Turn on your exhaust vent while you shower to prevent moisture from building up and causing mold growth.
• Dry the shower after you use it to prevent mold and mildew.
• Keep your fixtures clean to prevent pests. 

Basement

• Store items in tightly sealed plastic bags or bins with tight-fitting lids.
• Repair foundation leaks as soon as they occur.
• Install a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture in your basement.

Whole House

• Vacuum weekly with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter built in.
• Change your HVAC air filter every month to improve your overall indoor air quality. 
• Keep your home's humidity in the optimum 30 to 50 percent range. Middletown summers are humid and the winters dry. A humidifier installed in your HVAC system can significantly improve your indoor air quality.

For more information about indoor air quality, please feel free to contact us at Tri-County Heating & Cooling, addressing Middletown residents' HVAC needs year round.  

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