As a homeowner or business owner living in Florida or South Georgia, it’s crucial to identify and address allergens in your home or office, especially because of our local climate. Common allergy triggers in Jacksonville, FL, and the surrounding areas include dust mites, mold, pollen, pet dander, and more. If you notice that your allergies worsen when you’re at home, you might be wondering to yourself, “Should I call someone for testing my home for allergies?” If you’ve noticed an inexplicable uptick in your allergies recently, it’s a good time to call a professional indoor air quality testing company. Read on to learn more!
Why Test My Home for Allergies?
Indoor allergens cause significant health or respiratory impacts like asthma, itchy eyes, or constant sneezing. Particulates like dander and pollen can build up in your home, especially during the cooler months when you’re not running your HVAC system or opening your windows frequently. These dander and pollen levels increase more if you have pets or carpets. If you have carpeted areas, it’s important to vacuum them frequently.
If any of these criteria are relevant it’s crucial to pinpoint which specific allergens are present in your home and identify which ones are causing you issues. Why should you test your home for allergies? It will foster better indoor air quality management and prevention.
Common Allergens Found in Florida and South Georgia Homes
There’s a cornucopia of allergens present in Jacksonville, FL, and the surrounding areas. These include the following.
- Dust Mites: Thrive in Florida’s humid climate. If you have pets, you likely have dust mite presence, unless you keep your house extremely clean. Dust mites feed off dander, so where dander is present, they’re likely found.
- Mold and Mildew: A frequent issue due to high humidity levels. Mold can appear as “surface growth” on walls, leather goods, wood, clothing, furniture, etc.
- Pollen: Seasonal invader that can sneaks indoors.
- Cockroach Droppings: A hidden allergen in some homes. Cockroaches are plentiful in Florida and South Georgia. If you don’t keep up with regular pest control, it’s likely you have cockroach droppings in places like cabinets and underneath furniture.
Hiring a Professional Allergy Testing Service
The only way to properly test your home for allergies is to work with a local indoor air quality (IAQ) expert. The advantages of working with local experts include the following.
- Familiarity with the local environmental challenges
- State-certified mold and environmental assessors
- Proper testing equipment and methods
During a professional home allergy test, the assessor will utilize traditional sampling methods to identify mold, pet dander, inorganic particulates, and pollen. Once they have collected surface and air samples, they will submit them to a local laboratory. The laboratory usually turns results around within 24 hours.
Once the assessor has the results, he or she will write a protocol and/or give you a list of their recommendations in a report.
Preventative Measures After Testing
Based on the test results, the IAQ assessor might offer suggestions like the following.
- Improving Ventilation: Use dehumidifiers or air purifiers. Have an HVAC company evaluate your system.
- Cleaning Routines: Regular vacuuming with HEPA filters, washing bedding, etc.
- Home Maintenance: Seal leaks, clean gutters, and address water damage promptly
- Hypoallergenic Bedding: Especially for people having possible allergic reactions to dander issues.
When to Seek Help from an Allergist
Recognize when home testing isn’t enough. Sometimes, you may require more assistance, like the help of a local allergist. Many allergists can be found at Integrative Medicine Clinics or they can be found providing their stand-alone services. It’s beneficial to consult a local allergist if you experience persistent symptoms. Do a Google search for local allergists in your area to find a reputable one who you like.
Testing My Home for Allergies in Jacksonville, FL, Gainesville, FL, and South Georgia
If you live in Jacksonville, Gainesville, or South Georgia and are experiencing allergies due to your home or office, seek the help of an indoor air quality testing specialist like Flo-Air Services, LLC. You don’t have to suffer through allergies and respiratory issues. Our experienced team is licensed, certified, insured, and here to help you!
We also provide financing options for those who qualify.