For a lot of folks in Ohio, warmer days also mean the start of the dreaded allergy season. Being right in the heart of the Midwest, Ohio’s unique climate and landscape bring about a mix of irritants that can trigger hay fever and other allergy-related issues. If you’re constantly battling these pesky allergens, know that you’re not alone! Many Ohioans face the struggle of seasonal allergies. So today, let Bexley Heating & Cooling share some tips and tricks to help you defend your home and personal space against the notorious pollen, dust, and other triggers, helping to keep your home pleasant and comfortable for you!
Are You Familiar with Hay Fever?
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, gives you symptoms that are similar to a common cold. But instead of being caused by a virus, these symptoms happen because of an allergic reaction to something you’re exposed to indoors or outdoors. Here are 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
Are You Familiar with the Ohio Allergen Landscape?
Knowing who’s to blame is the first step in defending yourself against them. Allergy season in Ohio mostly hits in spring and fall, when ragweed, trees, and grasses go on a pollen-spreading spree. During those times, you’ll find plenty of pollen floating around in the air. Plus, Ohio’s unique geography, with its lakes, rivers, and vast farmlands, brings a mix of environmental factors that can make allergies worse. Think mold spores in the damp Ohio River Valley and dust and grime carried by the wind across the flat farming country.
Are You Familiar with Some Practical Home Solutions to Use?
Don’t forget that it’s not just the fields and forests that can trigger your watery eyes and itchy throat. Indoor allergens can be just as powerful! Our homes are full of pet dander, dust mites, and mold, which can contribute to allergies all year round. So, keep an eye on your bedroom, living room, and kitchen, as they can be hotspots for these irritants.
Check out these super easy and effective household tips to reduce indoor allergen triggers:
1. 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, not just moves it around. Don’t forget to take care of those hard-to-reach spots like ceiling fan blades and shelves!
2. Vacuuming: Grab a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to capture those tiny particles. Make sure to vacuum high-traffic areas at least twice a week, and don’t forget about upholstered furniture!
3. Curtains and Drapes: These can turn into dust and dander havens. Remember to wash or vacuum curtains or drapes every few months and let in some sunlight to freshen things up.
4. Bedding: It’s important to wash all bedding, blankets, and bed sheets regularly. You have to stay on top of maintaining a regular washing schedule if you want to keep the allergens away!
5. 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 recommended, usually every 30 to 60 days, especially during periods of heavy use.
6. Showers: If your allergies are extreme, it’s a good idea to take a shower right after being outside for a while. Washing off any pollen or particles from your body as soon as possible can help reduce the chances of bringing allergens into your home and making your allergies worse.
Here’s a Fun Fact: Did you know that the first day of spring in 2024 falls on March 19th?
Are You Familiar with Some Helpful Professional Solutions to Use?
Sometimes, when you’re dealing with severe allergies, respiratory issues, or living in a heavily polluted area, the usual home remedies might not cut it. It’s worth considering professional-grade solutions to keep your home a safe haven with great indoor air quality. Just think about how modern tech can give you an allergy-free home. Check these out:
· Duct Cleaning – Duct cleanings are awesome for tackling allergens by getting rid of dust and other pesky contaminants lurking in your home. They can also be a game-changer in humid environments. You see when mold spores get released into the air, they spread all around your house, messing with your indoor air quality (IAQ). A duct cleaning can zap those mold spores and other unwanted airborne stuff, keeping your air fresh and clean. And the best part? You don’t need to have it done very often. Usually, every 3-5 years is a good rule of thumb!
· The iWave Whole-home Air Purifier – The iWave air purifier is like a superhero for your home! It teams up with your HVAC system to deliver whole-home purification. With its state-of-the-art ionization generator, it zaps away allergens, pathogens, and pollutants from the air. Say goodbye to unpleasant odors and hello to healthier air quality! Plus, it even helps extend the life of your HVAC system. On top of that, it’s super easy to maintain and works silently. So you can enjoy pure, fresh air in every room of your home!
· A Whole-home Dehumidifier – Mold loves damp and warm environments, and Ohio’s summers and river valleys can be the perfect breeding ground for it. A dehumidifier not only tackles moisture but also works wonders to improve air quality by keeping humidity levels low. And guess what? It even helps with those musty odors! So, if you’re thinking about improving your home’s IAQ, investing in a whole-home dehumidifier that covers the square footage of your most-used areas is a solid option to consider.
· A Smart Thermostat – Did you know that having a smart thermostat can actually help improve your home’s IAQ? Yeah, it’s pretty cool! These smart thermostats can keep an eye on the humidity levels and give you a heads-up if it needs attention. Plus, they’ll even let you know when it’s time to change your HVAC air filter. It’s a helpful gadget to have in the midst of our busy lives!
If you’re keen on adding any of these awesome components to your home or need to schedule a ductwork cleaning service, just give us a call. You’ve got the power to take charge of your indoor environment. As we finish up our dive into home allergens, our aim is to arm you with knowledge and practical solutions. Don’t forget, a breathable, allergen-free home is within your grasp, and it all begins with understanding, identifying, and effectively fighting off these tiny intruders.
Call Bexley Heating & Cooling today at (614) 924-7856, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here! We’d be more than happy to assist you on your journey to breathing easier in your own home!