With the fall allergy season in full swing, more people are heading indoors to find relief from ragweed, pollen and cooler temperatures. But there are also things lurking inside homes that could further aggravate allergies and asthma this autumn and throughout the year.

One of the culprits: dust bunnies — those unwanted piles of dust, pet hair and other particles that hide behind doors, under beds and in corners. In fact, nearly 75 percent of homeowners admitted their houses had dust bunnies, according to a recent Dust Bunny Barometer survey from American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning.

And, in the battle between dust bunnies and homeowners, the dust bunnies appear to be winning. The survey showed only 11 percent of homeowners feel they have their dust bunny population under control, and only a small number of households take any significant preventative action against poor indoor air quality, which can be caused by pesky dust bunnies, pollen and allergens.

The top ways survey respondents are fighting dust bunnies — vacuuming, dusting and sweeping with a broom — don't seem to have lasting effects. To help you battle dust bunnies and breathe easier inside your home this fall, consider taking the following proactive steps:

• Change your air filters regularly. According to the Dust Bunny Barometer survey, only 58 percent reported changing their air filters in the past six months when it's recommended most air filters should be replaced monthly to avoid particle build-up and to ensure the highest performance. Some manufacturers also offer cleanable filters that can be rinsed or vacuumed. Your heating, ventilation and air conditioning professional can show you how to replace your filters on an ongoing basis to help limit the particulates and dust in your home's air.

• Consider adding a whole-home air cleaner. One of the most effective ways to combat dust bunnies and allergens is through a whole-home air filtration system that helps remove unwanted particles from the air in every room of the house versus other air cleaners that just do the job in one specific room. The American Standard AccuClean whole-home air filtration system, for example, removes up to 99.98 percent of airborne particles and allergens from the filtered air in your house. The air cleaner attaches to your furnace or air handler to filter irritating particles like dust, dust mites, pollen, pet hair, pet dander and lint before they can land on your rugs, floors and upholstery.

• Close your windows. While it's tempting to open windows to enjoy the fall's more moderate outdoor temperatures, this invites pollen and mold spores into your home and into the air you breathe. Even window screens can't stop these microscopic particulates from entering your house.

• Use your air conditioner. Turning on the air conditioner provides welcome relief by cooling and drying the air in your home. Dehumidifiers can also help homeowners feel more comfortable while fighting allergens that thrive in moist environments.

With these steps, homeowners can help solve their ongoing battle with dust bunnies and seasonal allergens. Findings from the Dust Bunny Barometer survey and indoor air quality solutions are available at www.americanstandardair.com/dustbunny.