With the onset of fall, the shift in weather brings a new wave of allergens that can affect your home’s air quality. Ragweed pollen, mold spores, and dust mites are common fall allergens that can enter your home easily, causing increased allergy symptoms and discomfort. While you can’t control the allergens outside, there are effective measures you can take to improve your indoor air quality. This blog will discuss how fall allergens impact your living space and offer practical tips to help you breathe more comfortably this season.

Recognizing Fall Allergens

Fall is marked by an increase in allergens like ragweed pollen and mold spores. Even though outdoor pollen levels may decrease, these allergens can enter your home through clothing, pets, and open windows. Additionally, mold can grow on fallen leaves and damp outdoor surfaces, making it easy for spores to invade your indoor environment and affect air quality.

Keep Windows Closed During High Pollen Periods

To reduce indoor pollen levels, it’s helpful to keep windows and doors closed during peak pollen periods, usually early in the morning. Use your air conditioning system to filter and circulate the air, ensuring that allergens remain outside.

Choose High-Quality Air Filters

Installing high-quality air filters in your HVAC system can significantly lower the number of indoor allergens. Look for filters with a high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) rating, which are capable of trapping smaller particles such as pollen and mold spores, thus improving indoor air quality.

Keep Your Home Clean and Dust-Free

Increased humidity in the fall can lead to a rise in dust mites. Regular cleaning, vacuuming with a HEPA filter, and dusting surfaces are key steps to control dust mites and other allergens. Focus on areas prone to allergen accumulation, like carpets, upholstery, and bedding.

Regulate Indoor Humidity

Since mold and dust mites thrive in humid conditions, it’s important to manage indoor humidity levels. Use a dehumidifier if necessary, particularly in damp areas like basements, to maintain humidity between 30-50%. This not only reduces allergens but also helps prevent mold and mildew growth.

Consider Adding Indoor Plants

Certain indoor plants, such as the peace lily and spider plant, can naturally help to purify indoor air and reduce allergens. Although they should not replace proper ventilation and air filtration, these plants can be a visually appealing and functional addition to your strategy for better indoor air quality.