Prepare Your Home for Allergy Season
With spring in full swing, you might already be noticing the effects of seasonal allergies. But for many, it seems like every season is allergy season. So what exactly does “allergy season” mean? When does it start and end? What are the most common symptoms? And what can you do to make your home a cleaner, safer place to breathe?
Read on as we cover everything you need to know about seasonal allergies and how to help prevent allergens from infiltrating your space.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Allergies that occur in a particular season are commonly known as hay fever. In other words, it’s when your immune system has an overreaction to an outdoor allergen. The most common outdoor allergens are pollen from wind-pollinated plants, such as grasses, weeds, and trees. The pollen from plants pollinated by insects is less likely to trigger an allergy symptoms because it’s too heavy to remain airborne for long.
Common seasonal allergy symptoms include:
- Itchy, runny, or stuffy nose
- Itchy, red, or water eyes
- Swelling around the eyes
- Sneezing
- Itchy throat
- Swelling of the airways or mouth
- Dry, scaly skin
When Is Allergy Season?
Allergy season depends on where you live and what they’re allergic to. For instance:
- Spring allergy season can start in February and last through the summer. It depends on when grasses, weeds, and trees begin pollinating.
- As grasses and weeds continue to produce pollen, allergy season can continue into the summer months.
- Fall allergies can be especially challenging for those allergic to mold since mold spores thrive in damp, dark locations such as rotting wood, dirt, and fallen leaves.
- Winter allergy season can worsen from November to January due to increased exposure to indoor allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, and mold.
How to Allergy-Proof Your Home
Kitchen: Wipe off counters and sweep floors regularly to rid your kitchen of the various allergens tracked in on a daily basis. Run the vent fan while cooking to prevent moisture from collecting and causing mildew.
Living Room: Frequent cleaning, dusting, and using a vacuum with a HEPA filter are easy ways to cut down on indoor allergens. Keep carpeted and upholstered surfaces to a minimum to prevent dust and allergens from collecting. Or steam-clean those surfaces to help remove any allergens that have built up.
Bedrooms: Dust mites are among the most common indoor allergens. Wash bedding once a week and use hypoallergenic covers on mattresses and pillows. Additionally, choose hardwood or other solid flooring instead of carpet to reduce the likelihood of dust mites settling in bedrooms.
Bathrooms: Bathrooms and moisture go hand-in-hand. So it’s important to run the exhaust fan during and after showers or baths to keep humidity down. Wash hand towels every couple of days and bath towels after no more than two or three uses.
Whole House: Combined with regular and thorough cleaning in individual rooms, there are several other things you can do to benefit your entire home. Change your HVAC filter every 6 to 8 weeks, and consider upgrading to one that is better able to remove allergens and microbes from your indoor air. Keep windows shut, remove shoes at the door, and change your clothes and shower after working outside.
At Correct Temp, we offer several types of air filtration systems, with one just right for your home, air quality needs, and budget. For more information on our home air quality solutions contact us today.
