For lots of folks in Ohio, warmer days also mean the kickoff of the dreaded allergy season. Ohio’s diverse climate and landscape bring a mix of irritants that can trigger hay fever and other pesky allergies. If you’re battling against these inconvenient allergens, just know you’re not alone! Many Ohioans deal with seasonal allergies, too. So today, let Grove City Heating & Air share some tips to help you protect your home and personal space from pollen, dust, and other triggers.
Hay Fever –
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, gives you symptoms similar to a common cold. But instead of being caused by a virus, these symptoms happen because of an allergic reaction to indoor or outdoor allergens. Here’s a list of the symptoms:
1. Runny and/or stuffy nose
2. Watery eyes
3. Itchy nose, mouth, or/and throat
4. Sneezing
5. Coughing and/or puffy and swollen eyelids
Geography –
Knowing the culprits behind these allergens is the first step to defending against them. The allergy season in Ohio mainly hits during spring and fall, with lots of ragweed, trees, and grasses pollinating and filling the air with pollen. Plus, Ohio’s geography adds to the mix with its lakes, rivers, and farmlands. This creates environmental factors like mold spores in the damp Ohio River Valley and the dust and grime that the wind spreads around in the flat farming country.
Home Solutions –
Don’t forget that it’s not just the outdoors causing watery eyes and itchy throats. Indoor allergens can be just as pesky! Pet dander, dust mites, and mold love to hang out in our homes, triggering allergies not only during spring but all year round. So, watch out for those hotspots like your bedroom, living room, and kitchen where these irritants like to gather.
1. Showering: If you have severe allergies, it’s a good idea to take a quick shower right after spending a long time outside. Getting rid of any pollen or particles from your body as soon as possible can help reduce the chances of bringing allergens inside your home and triggering your symptoms.
2. Dusting: Make sure to create and stick to a weekly dusting schedule using a damp cloth or a microfiber duster that actually gets rid of the dust instead of just moving it around. Don’t forget to tackle those hard-to-reach spots like ceiling fan blades and shelves. Happy dusting!
3. Vacuuming: Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap those tiny particles, and make sure to vacuum high-traffic areas at least twice a week. Don’t forget to give your upholstered furniture a good vacuum, too!
4. Curtains and Drapes: These can become havens for dust and dander. Remember to wash or vacuum curtains or drapes every few months, and try to let in some sunlight to get rid of any dampness.
5. Washing: It’s important to make sure you wash all your bedding, blankets, and bed sheets regularly.
6. Air Filters: Keeping your HVAC system clean and efficient is super important for managing indoor air quality (IAQ). Your first line of defense? High-efficiency air filters. Just make sure to change them as suggested, usually every 30 to 60 days, especially during times of heavy use.
Fun Fact: The 1st day of spring 2024 is on March 19th.
Expert Solutions –
Sometimes, the usual home remedies just don’t cut it, especially if you’ve got bad allergies or respiratory problems or if you live in a place with lots of pollution. It’s worth thinking about professional-grade solutions to keep your home a safe haven with clean indoor air quality.
Before you move on, just keep in mind that adopting modern technology can help you achieve an almost allergen-free home. With professional services and smart devices, you can enjoy convenient and high-performance air purification. Here are a couple of options worth considering:
· Duct Cleaning – Getting your ducts cleaned is a great way to tackle allergens, reducing dust and other pesky contaminants in your home. It’s especially helpful if you live in a humid environment. You see when mold spores get released into the air, they can spread all over your house, messing with the air quality. But a duct cleaning can put a stop to that and keep those mold spores and other unwanted stuff from floating around. And here’s the best part – you don’t need to get your ductwork cleaned by pros too often. Generally, every 3-5 years is a good rule of thumb!
· The iWave – The iWave air purifier is an awesome whole-home purification system that works seamlessly with your HVAC system. It uses a high-quality needle-point bi-polar ionization generator to capture and eliminate allergens, pathogens, and pollutants from your home’s air. Plus, it helps get rid of those pesky odors, reduces dust buildup, and creates healthier air quality overall. The iWave is a low-maintenance and quiet solution that works alongside your existing HVAC system, making sure every room gets that fresh air goodness.
· A Whole-home Dehumidifier – Mold loves damp and warm places, and Ohio’s summers and river valleys can be the perfect breeding ground for it. A dehumidifier not only gets rid of excess moisture but also does wonders for the air quality by keeping humidity levels low. Plus, a whole-home dehumidifier can even help get rid of those musty odors! Investing in a whole-home dehumidifier that covers the square footage of your home’s most used areas is definitely a smart move for improving your home’s IAQ.
· A Smart Thermostat – Did you know that having a smart thermostat can actually help improve your home’s IAQ (indoor air quality)? This is because smart thermostats can keep an eye on the humidity levels and give you a heads-up if it gets too high or low. Plus, they can also remind you when it’s time to change your HVAC air filter. It’s such a handy feature to have, especially with all the daily craziness!
If you’d like to add any of these awesome components to your home or schedule a ductwork cleaning service, just give us a call. We’ll be more than happy to assist you on your journey to breathing easier in your own home!
Get a grip on your indoor air quality with these handy tips. You’ve got the power to control your indoor environment. As we finish up our dive into home allergens, our mission is to equip you with knowledge and practical solutions. Don’t forget that a breathable, allergen-free home is well within your grasp. It’s all about understanding, identifying, and effectively fighting off these pesky intruders.
Breathe easy with Grove City Heating & Air. Call us today at (614) 490-7540, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
