Allergies

• If you suffer from allergies, wall-to-wall carpet will probably aggravate your condition, especially carpet in the bedroom, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The problem lies with dust mites, microscopically small, whitish arthropods. About 20 million Americans are allergic to dust mite waste. Dust mites feed off human skin flakes that embed deep within carpet. Vacuuming rids only about 5 percent of mites. To avoid mites, avoid wall-to-wall carpeting.
  
  

Contaminants and the Environment

• New carpet and the installation process produce volatile organic compounds that can cause headaches; ear, nose and throat irritation; coughing; fatigue; and skin troubles, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Also, because carpets do not last forever, they become a huge contributor to landfill problems. According to the National Park Service, "1.8 million tons of rugs and carpets are sent to landfills each year."
  
  

Maintenance

• Maintaining your carpet can be difficult. Your pet can pull out the loops in certain carpet styles, which damages the entire carpet. Carpet soils easily, and regular vacuuming generally is not enough. You could rent your own steam cleaner or hire a professional carpet cleaner to maintain your carpet. Hiring a professional is expensive, typically costing hundreds of dollars to clean two or three rooms. It is less expensive to rent your own steam cleaner from the grocery store. According to an article in "The Washington Post," you can rent a steam cleaner nine times for what you'd pay a professional. But, unless you are certain the machine is in good repair and you know what you are doing, you could damage your carpet by using too much water or detergent on it. Considering that most carpet manufacturers recommend you professionally clean your carpet every 12 to 18 months, this is an ongoing concern for you.
  
  

Alternatives

• Almost any other type of flooring is easier to maintain than carpet, including hardwood, tile, laminate and vinyl, according to Floor Ideas. All of these options are also more durable than carpet, and can better withstand heavy traffic and wear and tear. Adding hardwood flooring can increase the value of your home, and laminate and vinyl are generally a less expensive choice than carpeting, according to MSN Real Estate.