If you have asthma, you know that there can be triggers everywhere you go, including within your own living space. However, your home should be as comfortable as possible, which means avoiding and removing potential triggers is essential. As you learn what causes your flare-ups, consider these helpful home maintenance tips for people with asthma.
Vacuum and Dust Consistently
Before making any major changes to your home, follow a regular vacuuming and dusting routine. Dust and dust mites are major allergens and asthma triggers, so staying on top of these chores is important. You should set aside time at least once a week to thoroughly vacuum with a device that has a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, and dust every part of your home. This can help reduce asthma issues and allow you to breathe easily at home.
Update Your HVAC System
If you don’t consistently replace your HVAC system filters, now is the time to start. You should change these filters regularly, even if they are HEPA filters. You should also have your HVAC system serviced at least twice a year, as the seasonal changes can cause allergens to become a significant problem. Ensuring that clean and filtered air is circulating within your home is critical if you have asthma.
Remove Carpeting
Carpet tends to catch and hold onto microfibers, dust, and other particles that circulate within a home. While this hasn’t been proven to make a significant difference in air quality, replacing your carpet with vinyl or wood flooring would still be beneficial. Doing so allows for easier cleaning and diminishes harmful particles in your home.
Keep Pets out of the Bedroom
We all love our pets, but they can make breathing difficult for those with asthma. To help with this, keep your pets out of certain areas in your home, especially the bedroom. This way, you will have a spot within your house that provides fresher air and helps you avoid a common trigger—pet hair and dander.
Install a Radon Reduction System
For a long-term solution, it is important to implement radon reduction techniques within your home. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep into your home through the foundation; this has several health implications, especially for your lungs. To help protect yourself from this harmful substance, it’s worth knowing how a radon mitigation system works and considering installing a system to diminish the concentration of this gas within your home.
Living with asthma can be a challenge when your home is full of common triggers. But following these helpful home maintenance tips for people with asthma can make your living space more comfortable for resting and relaxing, allowing you to breathe deeply.
