If you have allergies, you know the impact they can have on your health and lifestyle. They can cause mild problems like sneezing and watery eyes or more severe problems like skin rashes and hives. By installing a filtrete air filter in your home's furnace, you can help protect your family from allergy related symptoms and illnesses.
The Most Common Household Allergens
As winter approaches, it's important to make sure your furnace has a filter than can protect your family from household allergens. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, more than fifty million Americans suffer from allergies. The most common allergies are triggered by inhalants that can cause mild to severe symptoms. Take a look at the most common triggers:
* Dust Mites – Tiny, microscopic creatures that can invade your bedding, upholstery, carpets and rugs, draperies and clothing.
* Mold – Mold, caused by excess moisture, can grow and flourish in dark, wet areas of your house like the attic, basement and foundation. Mold produces spores that float freely in the air.
* Smoke – Cigarettes, wood burning fireplaces and overcooked food can create smoke in the house. Breathing even small amounts of smoke can cause respiratory problems.
* Odors – Household odors produced by food, aerosol sprays and household cleaners can irritate mucus membranes and cause respiratory problems.
* Pollen – Pollen, produced by trees, shrubs and flowers in your yard, can easily enter your home through open windows or doors.
* Ragweed – Ragweed, a common weed that's found in every region of the country, is the top outdoor offender causing allergy symptoms from late summer through fall.
Most inhalant allergens affect your respiratory system and mucus membranes with symptoms that can include sneezing; coughing; stuffy or runny nose; itchy throat and ears; puffy eyelids; itchy, watery eyes; skin rashes; hives; and breathing problems. They can also trigger asthma and breathing problems in some people with existing allergies or compromised immune systems, especially in children and the elderly.
During cold weather when your furnace gets peak usage, you should change your furnace filter every 30 days to ensure proper airflow. If your filter is clogged or dirty, your furnace can't operate correctly. With restricted airflow, it will have to run longer and harder to create warm air, resulting in higher energy bills.
The Most Common Household Allergens
As winter approaches, it's important to make sure your furnace has a filter than can protect your family from household allergens. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, more than fifty million Americans suffer from allergies. The most common allergies are triggered by inhalants that can cause mild to severe symptoms. Take a look at the most common triggers:
* Dust Mites – Tiny, microscopic creatures that can invade your bedding, upholstery, carpets and rugs, draperies and clothing.
* Mold – Mold, caused by excess moisture, can grow and flourish in dark, wet areas of your house like the attic, basement and foundation. Mold produces spores that float freely in the air.
* Smoke – Cigarettes, wood burning fireplaces and overcooked food can create smoke in the house. Breathing even small amounts of smoke can cause respiratory problems.
* Odors – Household odors produced by food, aerosol sprays and household cleaners can irritate mucus membranes and cause respiratory problems.
* Pollen – Pollen, produced by trees, shrubs and flowers in your yard, can easily enter your home through open windows or doors.
* Ragweed – Ragweed, a common weed that's found in every region of the country, is the top outdoor offender causing allergy symptoms from late summer through fall.
Most inhalant allergens affect your respiratory system and mucus membranes with symptoms that can include sneezing; coughing; stuffy or runny nose; itchy throat and ears; puffy eyelids; itchy, watery eyes; skin rashes; hives; and breathing problems. They can also trigger asthma and breathing problems in some people with existing allergies or compromised immune systems, especially in children and the elderly.
During cold weather when your furnace gets peak usage, you should change your furnace filter every 30 days to ensure proper airflow. If your filter is clogged or dirty, your furnace can't operate correctly. With restricted airflow, it will have to run longer and harder to create warm air, resulting in higher energy bills.
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