When the Mites Come Marching In

It’s not a pleasant thought. No matter how clean your house looks, creatures are lurking that may have a negative impact on your family’s health. They’re called dust mites, and their residue is the most common trigger of perennial allergy and asthma symptoms.* You can’t get rid of them, but you can control these unwanted critters.

The mites have company

First, you should know that dust mites aren’t the only threat to your family’s health. Pet dander, pollen and mold spores are also included in the category of indoor air pollutants called ‘particles,’ which are defined as any substance measuring less than 100 microns in diameter. (One micron equals 1/25,000 of an inch in diameter.) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has found that small particles (less than 2.5 microns) are responsible for the health effects of greatest concern.

Clearing the air

Controlling humidity is an important step in removing airborne pollutants because dust mites and mold thrive in humid conditions. A whole-home dehumidification system such the Humiditrol® dehumidification system is an extremely effective solution for reducing the moisture in your home. It works with your air conditioner and a digital thermostat to control humidity levels without overcooling your rooms.

Proper ventilation throughout your house, including attic and crawl spaces, can also help by bringing in fresher outdoor air in place of stale, contaminated air. Exhaust fans vented to the outdoors can help eliminate moisture that builds up in kitchens and bathrooms.

An air filtration system is particularly effective at capturing even the smallest allergy-aggravating particles. For best results, choose a professionally installed, whole-house system. Unlike portable units that cover only a single room, these systems work with your central heating and cooling system to remove and destroy contaminants throughout your entire home.

Many other contaminants, such as mold, bacteria and viruses can be eliminated with an air purification system. One option is a germicidal light that focuses intense ultraviolet light onto surfaces of your HVAC system to kill contaminants.

Steps you can take now

Regular household cleaning can help eliminate many of the airborne irritants that can cause allergies and asthma to act up. Even if you’ve never suffered from allergies, you can benefit from breathing cleaner indoor air.

For tips on controlling airborne allergens, as well as chemicals and other contaminants, download our Home Cleaning Guide.

Concerned about your air quality? Ask your local Lennox dealer about whole-home air cleaners and other Healthy Climate® Solutions.

*American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology