Reduce allergies and save energy
Stay allergy-free and save on your energy bill at the same time
Your home may be filled with allergy triggers that you can’t see, but fear not: we can help you stay allergy-free and save on your energy bill.
Clean carefully and often
Dust is a common allergy trigger in our homes, but it can be difficult to manage because you don’t need to see dust for it to be present. Cleaning with a wet cloth is a good place to start but try adding these simple tasks to your routine.
1. Vacuum dust-prone areas
Dust will often accumulate in hard-to-see areas, such as carpeting and furniture, so vacuuming regularly will help keep your allergies under control. You should also clean around large appliances, particularly the refrigerator vent and dryer exhaust, as dust buildup causes these appliances to work harder and therefore use more energy. Vacuuming these areas at least every few months can help you save money on your energy bill.
2. Clean your furnace
If dust builds up in your furnace’s airflow, it can be spread around your home. To prevent this, you should replace your air filter every three months – or more often if you have pets or find your home attracts dust – and a professional should perform maintenance once a year. Not only will this help you stay allergy-free, it will also ensure your furnace is running efficiently, which can help to prolong its life cycle and save you money on energy costs.
3. Regularly wash bedding
Sleeping in a dusty room is bound to trigger allergies for your day ahead. Beyond routine cleaning, one way to eliminate dust is to wash your sheets in hot water regularly. Dust mites primarily live in bedding but washing sheets at 130°F (54.44°C) will kill them, giving you a dust-free place to sleep.
Be mindful of mould
Exposure to mould spores can trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing and itchy, watery eyes. Humidity and condensation in your home are the most common causes of mould buildup. Thankfully, these three tips will help you better manage the temperature and prevent mould from aggravating your allergies.
4. Maintain your air conditioner
As the temperature gets warmer, an air conditioner can keep you cool and reduce humidity – and therefore mould growth. To ensure your air conditioner is operating effectively, it must be maintained properly. Have a licensed contractor perform regular maintenance on your air conditioner to clean condenser coils and ensure it is running smoothly and efficiently.
5. Install a smart thermostat
Turning the heat up and down constantly to get the temperature just right in your home can produce condensation and potentially lead to mould. To deal with this issue, try installing a smart thermostat, which will learn your schedule and preferences and automatically adjust your home’s temperature, as well as provide maintenance alerts.
Window and door maintenance
Even when windows are shut, dust, pollen and mould spores can enter your home if there are small cracks in the surrounding materials. Caulking around windows generally wears away over time and this, along with small gaps around door frames, is a common cause of outside air coming in. To help prevent unwanted allergens drifting in and to keep your windows and doors energy efficient, install or replace weatherstripping on a regular basis.
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