Continued - Preventing Allergens in the Home
True HEPA filters are designed to filter out over 99% of airborne particles, including most allergens like mold and pollen, without producing any by-products. These types of filters are found in a large variety of air purifiers that range in style, price, and function. Be sure to avoid HEPA-like filters as these are not held to the same standards as true HEPA.
Some of these HEPA air purifiers come paired with UV lights and odor neutralizers. UV lights help kill airborne bacteria and sterilize the air. Air purifiers also commonly come with activated carbon, a porous type of filter that reacts with chemicals to neutralize odors and clean the air.
When choosing a HEPA air purifier, avoid the small, tabletop or desktop models. These air purifiers generally don’t have enough power or capacity to clean much air and don’t provide much benefit overall. When choosing a good air purifier, always compare the room size to the amount of air the unit is able to clean. These specifications are usually listed on the package.
Vacuums are also common culprits. Whether you have a disposable bag on your vacuum or a reusable bin, be sure to clean it or replace it when it’s about half full. This means, even if you aren’t finished vacuuming, clean or replace your vacuum bag. Full bags have a tendency to spit dust and debris back into the air and reduce the vacuum’s ability to function properly.
HEPA filters are great for vacuums, too, and you can choose vacuums that help filter the air while you clean. Be sure to vacuum properly, too, since carpets trap lots of dust and allergens, they usually take more time than you think to get thoroughly clean.
Also, when dealing with bagless vacuums, try and empty the container outside rather than in a trash container inside the home. The dust and dirt will go airborne as soon as you open your vacuum.
Another common mistake: warming up your car in the garage. Most people know that starting the car in a closed environment releases deadly carbon monoxide into the air and potentially into the house. Make sure that all entrances into the home from the garage are properly sealed and never start your car in a closed environment.
But cars aren’t the only way to poison a home with carbon monoxide. Faulty furnaces and heating systems are actually the leading cause of carbon monoxide poisoning in homes. This is especially true for furnaces older than five years. Have your furnace checked annually before turning it on for the colder months.