Fight Fall Allergies with a Dehumidifier

Santa Fe

When the leaves start to fall and the air cools, a host of allergens can cause an itchy throat, teary and red eyes, sniffles, and sneezing. According to WebMD.com, ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger in the fall. Though it usually starts to release pollen with cool nights and warm days in August, it can last into September and October. About 75% of people allergic to spring plants also have reactions to ragweed.

COMMON FALL ALLERGENS

• Ragweed and pollen
• Mold and mildew
• Dust mites
• Pet dander and fur

LOOKING FOR ALLERGY RELIEF?

Designed to work with your home’s HVAC system, a Santa Fe whole-home ventilating dehumidifier brings in fresh, filtered outdoor air. This process dilutes allergens and contaminants, all while dehumidifying the entire home to maintain a set relative humidity (RH) level. With superior MERV-13 filtration, a Santa Fe dehumidifier can remove 90% of the common fall allergens.

WHAT IS MERV?

The term “MERV” (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) was created and is used by “ASHRAE” (American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers). The “MERV 13” gets its rating from undergoing strict tests and passing certain requirements. The MERV 13 requires filters of that name to trap particles ranging in size from up to 10 microns in diameter down to 0.3 microns in diameter (smaller than the thinnest human hair). In other words, this is a highly efficient filter capable of trapping 90% of airborne particles and allergens such as mold spores, dust particulates, pollen spores, pet dander, and bacteria down to 0.3 microns in size.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS OF VENTILATION

An airtight and well-insulated home restricts air infiltration from the outside, which allows pollutants and moisture levels to accumulate inside. According to the US Department of Energy, controlling moisture can make your home more energy-efficient, less costly to heat and cool, and more comfortable. Proper ventilation should also be part of a moisture control strategy.

PLAN OF ATTACK

Outdoor allergens such as pollen and mold spores found on damp, fallen leaves can come through open windows and cling to your clothes.

During peak times, be sure to:

• Add a Santa Fe whole-house ventilating dehumidifier to your HVAC system
• Keep your home and car windows closed
• Take off your shoes and jacket before entering your home
• Vacuum carpets and upholstery regularly
• Bathe your animals more often

Dust mites, pet dander, and fur are common indoor allergens that tend to be an all-year-round nuisance.

Steps to keep them at a manageable level:

• Add a Santa Fe whole-house ventilating dehumidifier to your HVAC system
• Clean air vents throughout the house before turning the central heating unit on for the first time after summer
• Cover your mattress and pillows in dust-proof covers
• Regularly wash all bedding in hot water (130°F or higher)
• Wash and groom pets regularly
• Consider only allowing pets in specific areas of the home and keep them off furniture
• Keep litter boxes and pet bedding away from air vents