August is a busy time especially with kids, and sometimes parents, going back to school. With back to school 
shopping and getting back into a new routine it tends to throw us for a loop for a few days.
Once we are in the routine, it all seems “normal” again though. With the coming of the new routine, summer becomes a distant, but lovely, memory and we are into Fall.
Fall is truly beautiful in Missouri, but the season also has its own special issues. Ragweed and intensified airborne mold spores are the top allergens. Seventy-five percent of people who experience spring allergies are also allergic to Ragweed.
Here are some tips to help reduce and combat the allergens this fall.
Change Your Air Filter
This is the time to keep an eye on that air filter in your home. If someone in your home is sensitive to allergens, it’s a good idea to change it every month during the fall season.
Clean Heating and Air Unit
It’s important to check your heating and cooling coils, motor, and air handling units for dust and debris. This will help with reducing allergens and will also help with your unit’s efficiency. Clear out any grass clippings, leaf debris, etc. from under your furnace. This will discourage critters from building a nest.
Clean Your Gutters
Gutters are another place that can be a home for allergens. Leaf decay turns into mold. Cleaning your gutters out twice a year will help cut down on mold production. Use gloves and a mask while handling rotting leaves, the mold spores can get into the air and your lungs.
Store Your Garden Hoses
If you’re done watering flowers and your garden for the season, be sure to disconnect your hoses from your outdoor faucets and store them in your garage or shed. Making sure there’s no water collected in them to avoid mold production. This is also a good practice to avoid a busted water pipe if we experience a cold snap.
Clean Your Deck
To protect your decks from mold, give them a good power wash. Some houses may be power washed, too, just be careful and make sure the strength is turned down, so you don’t make your vinyl siding look like Swiss cheese.
We hope these tips help you transition easily from summer to fall. To help reduce allergens and keep your heating unit in tip-top shape, we encourage you to give our office a call to schedule your fall cleaning check. Regular cleaning checks extends the life of your unit and helps troubleshoot any issues with your unit before the harsh cold temps of winter arrive.