Indoor Air Quality: Ultimate Guide to Surviving Winter Allergies

February 8, 2024

Understanding Winter Allergies As the chill of winter sets in, so does the dreaded season of allergies. If you find yourself constantly battling sneezing fits and itchy eyes indoors, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle with winter allergies, but fear not! We’re here to arm you with the ultimate guide to surviving those pesky winter allergies by improving your indoor air quality. Identifying Indoor Allergens First things first, let’s identify the culprits behind your winter woes. Common indoor allergens include dust mites, pet dander, mold, and even pollen tracked in from outside. These microscopic irritants can lurk in your carpets, upholstery, bedding, and even the air ducts of your home. Improving Indoor Air Quality Now that we know what we’re up against, let’s tackle the problem head-on. Here are some simple yet effective ways to improve your indoor air quality and alleviate those winter allergies: Regular Cleaning: Keep your living space tidy by dusting and vacuuming frequently. Pay special attention to areas where dust tends to accumulate, like shelves, ceiling fans, and baseboards. Invest in Air Purifiers: Consider investing in an air purifier to filter out airborne allergens. Look for models with HEPA filters, which are highly effective at...

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Is Indoor Air Quality Worse in Winter?

January 20, 2023

Poor indoor air quality in the winter can have negative effects on people’s health. It can cause respiratory problems, headaches, allergies, and asthma. To improve indoor air quality during the winter, it is important to properly maintain heating systems, increase ventilation, and use products with low emissions of pollutants. Indoor Air Quality in Winter Indoor air quality can be worse in the winter due to a number of factors. During the colder months, people tend to spend more time indoors, which can lead to a buildup of indoor air pollutants. Additionally, the use of heating systems can also contribute to poor indoor air quality. One factor that can contribute to poor indoor air quality in the winter is the increased use of heating systems. Heating systems, such as furnaces and boilers, can release pollutants into the air, including carbon monoxide and particulate matter. Additionally, when these systems are not properly maintained, they can also release mold spores, dust, and other allergens. Lack of ventilation can also contribute to poor indoor air quality. During the colder months, people tend to keep their windows and doors closed to keep warm. This can lead to a buildup of indoor air pollutants, as there...

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How To Test Indoor Air Quality For Mold

February 11, 2021

Most homeowners in Fort Collins, WY, are shocked to learn that the air in their houses is two to five times more polluted than the outdoor air. There are many types of indoor air pollutants, including dust, bacteria, viruses, spores, vapors from cooking, and volatile organic compounds that off-gas from products. Mold spores are of particular concern because they may trigger allergy or asthma attacks or breathing problems. Here’s what you should do if you think there are mold spores in your home’s air. Use Your Senses You can informally test for mold with your nose and eyes. If you detect a musty or earthy odor anywhere in your house, it’s probably caused by mold. You may also see discolored areas. Mold can appear black, brown, green, white, or a rusty color. Use an At-Home Test Kit Many companies offer at-home mold testing kits that you can use yourself. To use one, you’ll collect samples from strategic areas of your house. For example, if you have a discolored area in the corner of your bathroom, you would swab that area to collect a sample. Most of these kits are done through the mail. Once the company receives and tests your...

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