Top Allergy Triggers Lingering in Your Iowa Home

March 10, 2015

If you've been sniffling more since being confined indoors this winter, the culprit may be allergens in your air. These five top allergy triggers are often found in indoor air, and your Iowa home may be what's affecting your health during the colder months.

Five Top Allergy Triggers

If your allergies are acting up, determine whether you're being exposed to one of these common allergens:

  • Dust mites: Dust mites are microscopic insects that feed on human skin flakes in your home. These are the most common asthma triggers found in modern homes.
  • Pets: Pets shed dander that can worsen allergy symptoms.
  • Mold: If your home has warm, dark, damp spaces, chances are high that those areas contain some mold. Mold spores can irritate your airways. Unfortunately, most homes contain some mold in bathrooms, basements and attics.
  • Pollen: Pollen can be tracked indoors every time you return from outside. Houseplants can also release pollen into your home.
  • Cockroaches: Cockroaches are more common than you'd like to think. These little critters can contribute to allergies and poor indoor air quality.

Combating Allergens

If you're experiencing problems with these top allergy triggers, you can take steps to protect yourself and improve your indoor air quality. If necessary, remove the allergy source, like any plants or pests. Then, take these precautions:

  • Install an indoor air filter.
  • Install a GOOD filter in your HVAC system.
  • Clean your home with a vacuum that contains a HEPA filter.
  • Dust and clean frequently.
  • Wipe down shoes when coming in from outdoors to remove pollen.
  • Wipe damp areas with a cleaning solution to prevent mold growth.
If you have further questions about limiting the number of allergens in your Des Moines home, contact the team at Lozier Heating & Cooling for expert tips that can help protect the quality of your indoor air. Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Des Moines, Iowa area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Credit/Copyright Attribution: "Stephanie Lirette/Shutterstock"