Spring is the most awaited season of the year. It lets you enjoy warm beautiful days and nature in its full bloom. However, not everyone is excited about the changing of the seasons. For those with seasonal allergies, spring is a months-long battle to fight. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis occur in spring, which is usually caused by allergic sensitivity to pollens from grasses or weeds, trees, or to airborne mold spores.
It will not be long before spring allergies go into full effect. To protect your loved ones at home, start preparing your place to be allergen-free, room by room.
Remove the Carpets
According to Healthline, common allergens like pollen and dust can easily get trapped in carpets, causing allergic reactions. Using low-pile carpeting and vacuuming at least weekly can reduce allergens in your home. However, if you want to go with a healthier flooring option for your home, use hardwood or linoleum flooring instead.
Wash your Beddings Once a Week
Dust mites take habitat in places where dead skin cells are most likely to accumulate. And your bedclothes just happen to be a perfect choice. The Mayo Clinic recommends washing your pillowcases, sheets, and blankets in water heated to at least 130 F (54 C) once a week. For additional protection, encase your pillows with dust-mite-proof covers.
Keep the Pets Outside
There’s nothing sadder than knowing you have become allergic to your beloved dog or cat. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 3 in 10 people in the United States have allergic reactions to cats and dogs. Pet allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, coughing, chest tightness, watery, red, or itchy eyes, and skin rashes. To help treat your pet allergy, you should take specific steps to limit exposure to your pets. That includes keeping them outside and bathing them at least once a week.
Close your Doors and Windows
To prevent allergens from entering your home, make sure to keep your doors and windows shut. If it gets too hot, you can rely on your air conditioner. Additionally, remember to wash your doors and windows regularly inside and out. Do not forget to also give attention to your window treatments. It would be ideal to use washable curtains made of synthetic fabric or plain cotton.
Upgrade your HVAC System
Spring is the start of the cooling season. To avoid stressful AC breakdowns during the hottest days of the year, you should invest in a system upgrade. Improve the air quality inside your home by installing a HEPA filter within your HVAC unit. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, HEPA filter, which stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air [filter], can remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria in the air.
Let the pros handle your HVAC system upgrade at home. By partnering with a licensed and experienced HVAC company for your system upgrade, you will not only achieve a healthy and safe indoor environment but also significant cost savings. Talk to the pros today!