More than 70 million Americans are battling itchy eyes, runny noses and asthma attacks this allergy season, and a big portion of those are locals. In fact, Sacramento ranks among the nation's Top 50 cities for allergens!

While people may think their home offers a respite from pesky triggers like dust mites and mold, their fortress may be harboring more harm than they know. “It’s amazing how many allergens lurk in even the cleanest home, but you can evict a lot of them by changing flooring, removing furnishings and taking other actions,” says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. Here, Hicks offers specific tips to allergy-proof your home:

1. Replace your flooring
Replace carpet with hardwood, tile, linoleum or any hardwood flooring. It’s easier to keep hardwoods clean and dust mites and other allergens have nowhere to hide. If that isn’t an option, use low-pile instead of high-pile carpeting.

2. Avoid upholstered furniture
Upholstered furniture traps allergens and is difficult to clean thoroughly. Instead, opt for leather, vinyl, wood or furniture with removable slipcovers that can be laundered.

3. Install shades or drapes
Dust and dirt that collects on window blinds is difficult to clean. Consider shades that are made of a fabric that you can throw into the washing machine.

4. Prevent mold & mildew
Install a HEPA filter in your central air-conditioning and heating system. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms to reduce humidity levels.

5. Paint bathroom walls
Molds can grow underneath wallpaper so consider paint or tile. If you must wallpaper your walls choose waterproof wallpaper.

6. Choose alternative building materials
Pick paints, varnishes and other materials with low volatile organic compounds. Consider buying solid wood cabinets instead of those made of particleboard. Solid wood is less likely to emit harmful fumes.

7. Control bugs & rodents
Cockroaches can trigger allergies and asthma. If you notice any pests, consult with a pest control expert. But be wary of pesticide sprays; they may contain chemicals that cause irritation.

8. Keep on top of routine maintenance
Regularly clean or replace filters and dripping pans. To avoid mold growth, check for plumbing leaks.

A recent Angie’s List poll shows that 29 percent of members will invest in remodeling projects this year. “If you embark on a home improvement project this year, be aware that the work could bring allergens into your home,” says Hicks. “Remodeling can be quite a hassle, especially for allergy sufferers, but if you’re making improvements to help ease your symptoms, it’s worth the investment. People with allergies should take special precautions to keep construction dust, dirt and debris from reaching them,” Hicks said, offering five ways to allergy-proof your remodel:

1. Enclose the work area
Hang plastic sheeting over doorways in rooms where work is underway. Don’t carry the sheeting through the house when the project is complete; it will leave allergens behind in the home. Push it through the closest window.

2. Leave during installation
If possible, stay out of the house till fumes disappear. Indoor irritants are at their highest when carpet is being laid or when hard woods are being varnished.

3. Keep the work area well ventilated
Open windows and set up fans to push the air out.

4. Check your ducts
During a project your duct work may be exposed. Ducts should be tightly sealed to reduce air leakage. It’s still not clear whether cleaning air ducts can improve air quality, but consider having the ducts cleaned after a project.

5. Wear protective clothing
Do-it-yourselfers should use a mask and goggles during any project that creates a lot of dust.

Angie’s List is where consumers turn to get the real scoop on local contractors and companies in more than 250 different categories. Currently, more than 500,000 consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them find the right contractor or company. Get more information and tips at www.angieslist.com.