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FIGHT ALLERGIES IN THE HOME WITH TIPS FROM MILWAUKEE/NARI
May 14, 2010

MILWAUKEE, WI – With spring in bloom and pets shedding their winter coats, allergy season is in full swing.  According to WebMD, one in five people in the United States suffers from allergies or asthma, 100 percent of U.S. households have detectable levels of dog and cat dander, indoor pollution is at least double the outdoor levels, and 90 percent of time is spent indoors.

Members of the Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council, Inc., the area's leading home improvement and remodeling industry resource for more than 48 years, offer a few suggestions on how allergy symptoms in the home can be reduced.

Fred Hallett, Jr. of Ductz Indoor Air Professionals in Brookfield said the first step is to pinpoint what may be causing allergic reactions.  “Allergies and asthma are health conditions that cleaning alone cannot cure,” he said.  “Reducing the sources of contaminants that may trigger adverse health reactions is an important part of keeping indoor air clean.”

Hallett stands behind the importance of his company’s specialty – HVAC and air duct cleaning.  “Thoroughly cleaning the HVAC system and all the duct work will remove allergens like dust, dander, insect remains, microbial growth, and bacteria from the air distribution system,” he said.  “This will improve the entire indoor environment.”

Hallett also suggests installing a high quality ultraviolet lighting system into the ductwork.  “Even the cleanest homes have viruses, bacteria, dust, pet dander, pollen dust mites, and other germs floating in the air.  The UV ray breaks through the cell wall of organisms, damaging the DNA and rendering the organism ‘inert’ and unable to reproduce.”

He added, “Reducing the organisms you inhale will improve your quality of life.”

His final suggestion was to use a “good quality pleated air filter with a MERV rating of at least 11, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for changing the filter.”

According to Hallett, in addition to greatly improving indoor air quality to combat allergies, these guidelines also will improve HVAC system efficiency and save energy and money.

While regular housekeeping and cleaning still is important for preventing the buildup of allergens, many allergy sufferers would benefit from taking it a step further with a central vacuum system.  Keith Taylor of West Bend’s Cutter Vac explained that conventional cleaning methods re-circulate allergens through the home, while a central vacuum system reduces this occurrence.

“A central vacuum will help reduce the symptoms of allergies between 40 and 60 percent,” he said.  “In fact, a central vacuum accounts for five points toward green home certification, due to its 100 percent dust removal. ”Taylor cited facts from a University of California at Davis clinical study that set out to determine whether a central vacuum system could relieve allergy symptoms.  “The study showed a 47 percent improvement for nasal symptoms and 48 percent for non-nasal.  Eye symptoms were reduced 61 percent and sleep symptoms 44 percent,” he said.  “The system can be installed in a new or existing home in just hours with no disturbance to the walls.”

Milwaukee/NARI also offers simple tips for anyone suffering from allergies:
•    Kill mold and mildew on windowsills, bathtubs, and shower curtains regularly.
•    Bathe pets regularly.
•    Remove plants from the home, and remove pollen-heavy weeds such as ragweed from the yard.
•    Avoid line-drying clothing and sheets to prevent pollen from collecting on these items.
•    Use a dehumidifier during humid weather.
•    Repair any leaks or water damage.
•    Fight dust mites by regularly washing sheets, mattress pads, and pillow covers in hot water – and consider replacing these items with allergen-proof alternatives.
•    Remove carpeting from concrete floors (especially in the basement) and steam-clean rugs and carpets.
•    Use washable curtains and blinds.
•    Avoid wood-burning fireplaces or stoves.
•    Exercise indoors during pollen season.
•    Avoid wallpaper.
•    Try to keep pets out of the bedroom.

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council was chartered in July 1961, as a Chapter of the National Home Improvement Council.  In May of 1982, the National Home Improvement Council merged with the National Remodelers Association to form NARI - the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

The Council's goals of encouraging ethical conduct, professionalism, and sound business practices in the remodeling industry have led to the remodeling industry's growth and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry.  With over 900 members, the Milwaukee Chapter is the nation's largest.

For more information or to receive a free copy of an annual membership roster listing all members alphabetically and by category, and the booklet, “Milwaukee/NARI's Remodeling Guide,” call (414) 771-4071