Clean Air Conditioner Filters, Remove Carpets and Pick Pets Wisely to Control Allergies

The summer is the season for picnics, boat rides, swimming pools and barbeques. It’s also the season, unfortunately, for allergies. Those of us who suffer from seasonal allergies and asthma have trouble enjoying the warm summer months and the beautiful flowers if we are consistently sneezing and wheezing. There are different types of triggers for allergies and it is better to know what these triggers are because once you know you can figure out how to avoid them or how to treat them.

What Are the Different Types of Allergies?

• An allergy to airborne pollen – pollen is contained in such things as grass, plants, flowers and trees.

• Allergies to dust mites – miniscule bugs that can inhabit your carpets, padded furniture, mattresses, sheets, pillows and house dust.

• Allergies to pets – this is triggered by animal dander or fur.

• Mold Allergies – sensitivity to mold, mildew and fungi. This can occur from mold inside or outside of the house.

What Can You Do to Lessen Your Allergies?

Care For Your AC Filters

One thing to do is look to your air conditioner. You rely on your air conditioner to cool your home every day throughout the warm summer months, but many times people neglect replacing air conditioner filters. Your unit may be outfitted with disposable or washable air filters, but whatever kind it has if you replace your air conditioner filters more often it may help alleviate some allergy symptoms. You may want to opt for washable air filters in this case because you can clean them very often throughout the bad allergy season and not have to spend a lot of money on disposables.

Choose Your Pets Wisely

There are pets that are dander free, so when picking out a new pet you can try and adopt one that will not upset your allergies. If you already have a beloved pet, you can limit exposure by only allowing him in certain rooms.

Rethink the Carpet

If your allergies are severe enough, you may want to consider removing carpets in favor of hardwood in rooms that are used most often.

Get the Facts about Your AC Filter

If you live in an area with hot summers you more than likely own an air conditioner. If you own an air conditioner, it has an ac filter inside of it. Knowing what an ac filter is and what it is used for is a good idea because that way if something happens to it you will be able to get a replacement yourself. Then you can get the air conditioner back in working order before you melt from the sweltering summer days.

What Does an AC Filter Do?

An ac filter is used to remove impurities from the air that would otherwise enter the air conditioning unit. Removing these impurities, which include dust and pollen, is necessary because it keeps the air conditioner unit clean and functioning more efficiently. Also, if the air that goes into the unit is clean, then the air going into your home is clean as well. An ac filter is what keeps the cool air pure in your home.

What Are the Different Kinds of AC Filters?

You can purchase disposable filters that needs to be replaced every month or so. These come in either flat panel or pleated filters. Flat panels come in either fiberglass or polyester material and polyester is considered to be better. The pleated filters are made of a cotton polyester blend or synthetic material.

Your other choice is permanent air filters. Permanent air filters will cost more initially, but in the long run they will save you money because you will only need to buy them once, unlike disposable where you need to purchase them at least once a month. Permanent air filters can be washed and then replaced, so you can wash them more frequently if your allergies have been acting up. This can help alleviate your symptoms if there has been a high pollen count.

What Should I Remember When Buying an AC Filter?

Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing yours.

• Size
• Cost

How to Clean Your Washable Air Conditioner Filters

Purchasing a washable air conditioner filter is a great decision if you use your air conditioner frequently. It allows you to save money over the course of the year because you are not consistently buying disposable filters, your home will become more energy efficient and it is less of a hassle. The perks of washable air conditioner filters are lost, however, if you do not keep up with the maintenance. They don't need to be cleaned often, but they do need to be cleaned to keep working correctly and purifying the air that keeps your home cool in the sweltering summer months.

How Do You Clean Washable Air Conditioner Filters?

There are two types of filter units and it is very easy to distinguish which one you have just by examining it. If you look at it closely you will see whether you can simply slide the washable air conditioner filter out of the slot, or it may be the other kind, and there are small clips that need to be adjusted before you can remove the washable air conditioner filter.

You should then quickly vacuum the washable air conditioner filter to get off the dust that is not embedded on the filter. It is easier than washing it off. After that’s done, you have a few options of how you can wash it. You can soak it in a bucket or bathtub full of water or you can take it outside and spray it with the hose.

Make sure your washable air conditioner filters are completely dry before returning them to the air conditioner unit. If not, they can get moldy or release a musty smell. They may need to sit outside in the sun for a while to dry, or you can pat them dry with a towel.

Make Changes to Your Household Starting With a Reusable Air Filter

Converting your home to be more energy efficient is not only better for the environment, but better for your wallet. If you start with small changes you will be surprised at how much of a difference it can make. Simple things like purchasing a reusable air filter and turning the air off when you are not home can save you hundreds of dollars a year. You will be happier because your bank account will have that extra money, and you’ll feel like you are doing your part to transform your home to being energy efficient.

Simple Things You Can Do

Here are 5 ideas to get you started:

1. Make an easy change by purchasing washable ac filters. A reusable air filter is a much better idea because you will not have to spend money buying a new filter every month. Your washable ac filters can be cleaned as often as you would like and you will not need to dispose of them, which means you are not adding to the waste your household produces.
2. When you’re not home set the air conditioner thermostat to 78 degrees or higher in the summer or turn it off all together if you will not be home for a long amount of time. In the winter, set the furnace at 68 degrees or lower to save energy and money.
3. You can lower your electricity bill by purchasing energy efficient light bulbs. You will also need to buy bulbs less frequently if you purchase these types of bulbs because they last longer.
4. Replace older windows with new windows that keep air conditioned or heated air from leaking out. If you can’t afford to purchase new windows, you can caulk around the edges which is a cheap, quick fix. Also, in the winter you can put plastic against the windows which will also help keep cold air out.
5. In the summer, install shades or sunscreens and keep them closed when the sun is the strongest. That will help keep the cool air in from your air conditioner. Alternatively, in the winter, keep your shades open on sunny days to try and warm the rooms.