Tag: Winter Allergies

Posted on by

Improving Winter Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Improve Your Homes Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)You might expect some relief from allergens and the allergies that they cause during the winter months. However, the colder months have proven to be very a very challenging time for those that suffer from indoor air allergies. Indoor air allergies are caused by dust and the allergens that are contained/associated with it. Weather you can see them or not, pollutants, allergens, and other debris are lingering in your air. Improving your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ) during the winter months can make a big difference, especially to those with allergies and respiratory issues. The EPA reports that the air that we breathe in our homes, in schools and in offices can put us at risk for health problems. Improving your IAQ will reduce allergens such as dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and other impurities and help your family breathe a bit easier.

Five Tips for Improving Your Winter IAQ

Circulation – The most beneficial thing you can do during the winter months (when your home is typically closed up) is keep the air circulating, which is a form of air replacement. On a “warmer” winter day, let some clean fresh air in to circulate throughout your home. This refreshes your indoor air and allows the allergens that are “trapped” inside your house a chance to move outside, increasing your home’s IAQ.

Humidity – As the air becomes more and more dry, increased humidity is often desired in the cold, dry months. However, many allergens, such as dust mites, mold, and bacteria thrive in overly-humid conditions. Turning on your humidifier is definitely necessary, but make sure to keep the relative indoor humidity level around 35%-50%. Also important – replacing your humidifier filters with fresh humidifier pads or filters about twice per season. When using the bathroom, especially when enjoying hot sowers, use the bathroom exhaust fans to keep the moisture level down. Keep an eye on basements and storage areas as well, as these are ideal locations for potential moisture.

Smoke – A tiny vapor particle that, in any form, will affect your indoor air quality. Examples include: smoke from tobacco, fireplaces, cooking, and even burning candles. Some of these produce a desirable scent or cozy atmosphere, however, they do not improve the quality of the air you breathe. Continue to enjoy and use your fireplaces and candles, but be aware that smoke particles can be bothersome to those respiratory conditions.

Air Filtration – Your furnace filters are a huge help with improving IAQ as their function goes beyond the basic purpose of just protecting your HVAC system (their main job). In fact, they add a level of defense by cleansing your air of impurities. Always keep on a regular schedule with changing your air filters as well. This allows your system to function optimally and continuously provides new surface areas for dust and allergens to collect on.

Regular Cleaning – Maintaining a clean home will only help keep the level of contaminants and dust to a minimum. Once dust and debris has settled, it is more difficult for them to be picked up by your furnace filter unless the area is disturbed. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning of surfaces will re-disperse the dust, allowing another opportunity for it to be captured by your filter before settling again.

US Home Filter Carries AC Filters to Fit All HVAC Units

No matter which HVAC system you have, every unit needs a quality filter that fits properly to keep your indoor air quality clean and your heat running at its maximum efficiency this Fall and Winter. US Home Filter can supply you with the best and most efficient HVAC filter available! Changing the filter is as important as changing the oil in your car and US Home Filter makes filters that fit all AC/HVAC units. From standard to custom air filters, to whole-house filters, grille filters and humidifier filters, we have all of your filter needs covered!

Order now from US Home Filter and receive FREE SHIPPING on your order!

Selecting the filters that are right for your home can be difficult and confusing at times. At US Home Filter we understand this, which is why we offer an experienced staff to help answer any questions you may have. For personal assistance with your air filter needs, please contact us now online or call us at (855) 237-1673 and we will do our very best to assist you in selecting the right filter for your individual needs. We want to earn your business and we guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA.

Posted on by

Winter Allergy Season Approaching

A lot of people believe that once the cold air arrives, their allergies will go away.  While that may be true for some, this is not the case for everyone.  Quite frequently, we tend to conclude that the symptoms we can experience during the harsh winter months are caused by either a cold or the flu. It can be difficult, at times, to distinguish the difference as many of the symptoms overlap. How can you be sure what you are dealing with? Understanding the variables can help you choose the right path of treatment and know whether you are going to be out of the woods relatively soon or if you are going down for the count. Here’s a breakdown comparison to help you narrow it down!

winter allergy season

So What’s The Deal With Winter Allergies?

As people spend more time indoors during the winter months in general, indoor allergies become more prevalent as compared to the rest of the year when the outdoor air is the biggest contributor to allergies.  As home furnaces kick in, dust, mold spores, and insect parts that have settled throughout the summer are dispersed into the air.  These allergens can cause a histamine response in the immune system, causing watery eyes, runny noses, and other symptoms of an allergy or asthma attack.  The most common winter allergy triggers are dust mites, mold, animals, and fragrances when it comes to indoor responses.  Dust mites are microscopic bugs that are most commonly found in mattresses and bedding, and their waste and remains trigger allergic responses when they become airborne or when you come in contact with them.  The spores of mold found in humid areas like bathrooms or basements can also trigger allergic responses.  Many people think they are allergic to Christmas trees, for example, but really they are allergic to the mold spores that may have collected on them while in storage.  Proteins found in pet hair, skin, saliva, and urine can also cause allergic reactions.  Finally, many perfumes and colognes, as well as lotions, hairspray, air fresheners, candles, and potpourri can elicit reactions with people who have allergies to fragrances.

There are many actions you can take in order to ease your winter allergies.  They include taking antihistamines, decongestants, and allergy shots.  Antihistamines are medicines that reduce sneezing, sniffling, and itching by blocking the effects of histamines in the body, and decongestants help clear mucus out of the nasal passageways.  They can be used together to treat both symptoms of allergies.  Allergy shots expose your body to gradually increasing doses of the allergen until you have time to grow to tolerate it.

Air Filters Can Help!

Filters serve the same main purpose in automobiles, vacuums, humidifiers, refrigerators, dryers, and your home furnace and air conditioner. Protection and removal of contaminants. In your HVAC system, the air filter is there to not only protect your system from harmful buildup on the internal components, but also to help keep the air in your home clean from dust and allergens. This is especially important during those harsh winter months where you are inside for longer periods of time and your house is kept closed to keep your warm air in and the cold air out. The benefits of clean, fresh air are particularly welcome in the winter season when it is more difficult to introduce fresh, outdoor air into the home. To help reduce those winter allergy triggers, make sure to replace your air filter regularly. If your allergies are particularly aggravated by the winter season, consider our highest-rated MERV 13 filters to capture the greatest percentage of microscopic contaminants. Not sure what size you need? Our air filter measurement guide can help!

Order Now and Receive FREE SHIPPING on Your Order!

Choosing the filters that are just right for you and your family can be a challenge sometimes. At US Home Filter we understand this, which is why we are here to help answer any questions you may have and help ensure that you have chosen the proper size air filter that will fit perfectly. If you need personal assistance with selecting your home air filters, contact us now online or call us at (855) 237-1673. We care about our customers and guarantee your satisfaction! Take advantage of our quality MADE IN THE USA products, vast selection, low prices, and enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every air filter order within the Contiguous USA!