Upper respiratory problems like sneezing and sniffling can come from a cold. They can also come from allergies. Many people do not realize that poor indoor air quality can cause similar symptoms. Your nose and sinuses do not need a full allergic reaction to feel irritated. Poor air quality alone can bother your body. That irritation can lead to mucus, congestion, sneezing, headaches, and more.
Cleaning up the air often starts with cleaning your home. However, less obvious problems can also affect your indoor air quality.
Add Another Day of Vacuuming
Carpets can release tiny fibers that add to dust. Those fibers can also irritate the sinuses that have bothered you all week. Your shoes can track dirt inside. Your clothes can shed fibers. Dead skin cells can shed, too. Almost everything in your home can add to the dust on the floor.
You may already vacuum and sweep every week. If you still have allergy-like symptoms, add at least one extra cleaning day each week. So, if you vacuum on Saturday, try vacuuming again on Wednesday. If you already clean twice a week, add a third day. Remember to clean the brush roller too. You may also need to change the bag or empty the bagless canister after each time you use it.
Use Your Air Conditioning More
Air conditioners have filters for a reason. As the system draws in air, the filter catches dust, pet hair, and other particles. That helps the air come back out cooler and cleaner.
If you avoid using your air conditioner, you may miss a helpful air-cleaning tool. The filter traps irritants and keeps many of them from recirculating. When you replace the filter, you remove those trapped particles from your home. Use your air conditioner more often so it can pull more pollutants from the air. You should notice a difference within a short time.
Make Sure the Exhaust Fan Over the Stove Vents Outside
The exhaust fan for your stove pulls odors and grease from the air while you cook. However, many stove fans do not vent outside. Instead, they move air somewhere else in the house. This setup is more common in older homes.
Make sure your stove’s vent hood actually vents outside. You can retrofit your kitchen if your current fan lacks an exterior vent.
These tips should help, but there are several more you can try. You may also want an HVAC company to inspect your air conditioner. They can make sure it is working properly. With the right steps, you can improve your home’s indoor air quality. If you have concerns or require indoor air quality services, contact Alaskan AC in Phoenix, AZ and Tucson, AZ.