Your home should be a safe and comfortable place- a refuge from the world outside. It should be a tranquil oasis. However, that is unfortunately not always the case. Sometimes, the very place that should serve to be a comfort can actually prove to be a significant source of discomfort. That can be especially true if you suffer allergies. Then, your home may actually pose a health issue; there are actually a number of household items that could be making your allergies worse. There are three significant culprits lurking in plain sight in many homes: carpet, air conditioning, and upholstered furniture.

Carpet

Carpets can add to the decor of a room, and they have the ability to help reduce noise. However, carpeting also carries with it a significant risk of making allergies worse. Multiple studies have shown that carpeted floors contain more dust and allergens than non-carpeted floors. It serves as a trap for these allergens.

Cleaning the carpet more frequently will not necessarily yield relief, because that may simply serve to kick up the allergens and make them airborne. The easiest solution is, of course, to simply remove the carpeting. At the very least, removing it from areas where the allergy sufferer spends the most significant amounts of time is beneficial.

Air Conditioning

Air conditioning can help allergy sufferers by allowing windows to be kept closed, which serves to keep out allergens such as pollen. However, they also carry with them their own potential hazards. If air conditioners are not kept clean and in proper repair, they can actually serve to worsen allergies.

With proper maintenance, air conditioning can serve to make allergy sufferers feel better. That is why it is so important to turn to experts such as those at AC System Repair Services to help properly maintain your air conditioning.

Upholstered Furniture

It may be aesthetically pleasing and be a comfortable place to sit, but upholstered furniture can also have a serious downside when it comes to allergies. It, like carpeting, can serve to trap dust and allergens.

Frequent cleaning can help. It is important that hair, pet dander, dust mites, and other allergens be routinely removed. It can also be beneficial to limit the amount of upholstered furniture in the home.

Being diligent in addressing potential allergy culprits can decrease the frequency and severity of reactions. A few simple steps can make a significant difference.

Author's Bio: 

Emma is a freelance writer based out of Boston, MA. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2