Reducing allergens in your home this summer

Around one in five Australians have been affected by allergies at some stage in their lives. Ranging from mild hayfever to severe asthma, allergies can be a mild annoyance for a few weeks or severely impact your life every day.

Reducing airborne allergens in your home can decrease the severity of allergic reactions to things like dust mites, pollen, mould, or animal fur and dander.

Melbourne’s pollen forecast for the 2018-19 spring and summer is predicted to be low due to the reduced rainfall through winter this year. But that doesn’t mean that there won’t be days when your eyes itch and your asthma flares up when the grass pollen takes to the air.

To ensure you’re as comfortable as possible in your home this spring/summer follow these allergy-reducing tips.

Tips to minimise allergens in your home

• Keep pest control measures up to date.
• Wash bedding, linen, blankets, doonas, and pillows - in hot water where possible.
• Use washable allergen covers on mattresses and pillows.
• Throw out and update pillows every few years.
• Get a professional air conditioner service before summer - including cleaning air filters and any dirty internal areas.
• Dry clean carpets regularly.
• Clean soft furnishings - such as the couch, bedhead, pelmets, blinds, curtains, etc.
• Clean mattresses.
• Reduce moisture in damp areas - bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen.
• Clean ceiling fans and exhaust fans.
• Minimise stuffed toys and wash them regularly.
• Get rid of any visible mould - with repeat treatments so it doesn't come back.
• Dust hard surfaces regularly with a damp cloth.
• Wash or replace the filter in your vacuum cleaner regularly.
• Clean evaporative cooler filters yearly and replace pads every 2 to 5 years.
• Wash dog and cat beds frequently (and the dog and cat too).

Other allergy-lowering strategies

• Keep windows closed in bedrooms and living areas, especially when the weather is windy and dry.
• Alternatively, for wet areas ensure there is adequate ventilation.
• Replace heavy, hard-to-wash curtains or verticle blinds with roller blinds which can be wiped down easily.
• Use the dehumidifier setting on your air conditioner.
• Repair any water leaks promptly to inhibit mould growth.
• Be cautious when using air fresheners.

Air conditioner vs evaporative cooler

If you’re trying to decide whether to install air conditioning or an evaporative cooler before the warmer weather hits, opt for a reverse cycle split system or ducted air conditioner with advanced air filter systems. The unit will also provide clean filtered air for heating during winter.

Some manufacturers, like Daikin, have created air conditioning systems and air purifiers that can dramatically improve the air quality in your home.

Daikin’s split system air conditioners are National Asthma Council of Australia Sensitive Choice approved which makes them perfect for installation in the homes of allergy sufferers.

Our experienced air conditioning technicians can provide expert advice on choosing the right air conditioner for your home and your needs.

References - https://www.melbournepollen.com.au/, https://www.daikin.com.au/, http://aafa.org/control-indoor-allergens/