According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, allergies are the leading cause of chronic disease in the US. Indoor air quality can have a tremendous effect on quality of life, yet it’s often overlooked as a priority, because it lacks aesthetic value. People worry more about keeping visible surfaces of their homes clean, but think about it…how often does your body come in contact with those bookshelves that you dust or the floor that you scrub?…meanwhile your lungs literally are in contact with the air in your home with every breath. We have a very intimate relationship with the air we breathe; our very lives are dependent upon it.

 There are some simple methods of preventing allergens from proliferating in the home, that will also, coincidentally, keep your HVAC system cleaner and more efficient. The first, obviously, is investing in, and frequently changing, good quality air intake filters throughout your home. If you have an allergy sufferer in your house, you should do this monthly, especially during the spring and fall.

      Separate air purification systems are also an option that is becoming more popular. These units vary in effectiveness, however, so it’s important to do your homework before you buy. These units can eliminate particles, like pollen and dander, microbes like viruses and mold, and some even filter out gasses like cooking odors, exhaust fumes, and smoke.