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It’s common to experience seasonal allergies with the passing of the months, but did you know that indoor allergens can aggravate your allergies and asthma symptoms as well? Many people choose to stay inside when the pollen and mold levels are high. However, they could be doing more harm than good if they haven’t taken steps to improve their indoor air quality at home.
When the cooler weather settles in, you’ll likely be cranking the heat in your home to stay comfortable. Unfortunately, common allergens like pet dander and dust can hide in your air ducts. Using a high-efficiency furnace filter can reduce the overall amount of harmful allergens that circulate throughout your home during the fall and winter months.
Dust mites are often found living in pillows, sheets, mattresses, carpeting and other furniture around the home. To prevent dust-mites from getting too comfortable in your home, invest in allergen-proof covers to encase your mattress, box springs and pillows. Additionally, washing your bedding in hot water at least once a week can help to deter dust mites.
Using a vacuum with a HEPA filter can help to reduce indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander with ease. If you suffer from allergies, it can also be helpful to dust surfaces throughout the home with an electrostatic or microfiber cloth several times each week as well. Homes with wall-to-wall carpeting can also cause allergies to flare up because they trap common irritants easily. Hardwood is preferred for those who suffer from asthma or other chronic allergies.
Winter weather conditions often result in dry air that can aggravate your symptoms. Utilizing a humidifier can help to prevent dryness, but if not used properly, they can also encourage mold growth if not monitored properly. The CDC recommends that homeowners keep indoor humidity below 50 percent to reduce mold growth and dust mites.
Pets typically spend more time indoors during the winter, just like their owners. But a variety of allergens can be found in pet saliva and dander, and no breed is totally allergy-free. However, bathing your pets more frequently during the winter can help to reduce many of these allergens and keep everyone in the home feeling better.
As a lifelong resident of Litchfield County, Heather is quite familiar with the beautiful Northwest Corner of Connecticut. In partnership with her husband at Turri, Inc., in Torrington, she managed and grew a 30+ employee electrical contracting firm that served both the residential, commercial and industrial industries. Currently residing in Goshen she hopes to transfer and utilize many of the skills she learned in contracting to the real estate industry.
Knowing how a vital community relies on its volunteers, Heather spent many hours in several capacities at local organizations that she admires. She serves on the Woodridge Lake Finance Committee and House Committee, Victoria Court Condominium Association (secretary) and Educating Canines Assisting with Disabilities (volunteer and nursery mom). Heather has also been involved with Goshen Community Care & Hospice (president of board of directors), Warner Theatre (board of directors), LARC (volunteer), Festival of Trees (founder), the Northwest Chamber of Commerce, and Goshen Business Circle. Heather also served as Vice President of Woodridge Lake’s Board of Directors.
In Heather’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with family usually in an active way by playing tennis, golf, boating, hiking and skiing.
Heather is honored to be a part of the E.J. Murphy team and hopes you will contact her with any of your real estate needs.
