Spring allergies can leave you wheezing and sneezing as pollen and dust travel through the air. But what happens when spring turns to summer, and you are still coughing and sneezing in the fall? You could have allergens in your home, worsening your indoor air quality. Pollen might not be the only cause of your sinus distress. Follow these steps to rid your home of these irritants.
1. Schedule regular HVAC maintenance.
Your air conditioner plays a significant role in your indoor air. The vents pull hot air through a filter, and then the system pushes cool air through a series of ducts. You might already have filters on your HVAC system, but your ductwork could make your air dirty.
If you are worried about your indoor air quality, consider scheduling an air duct cleaning. Cleaning the air ducts will help with your spring allergies because your cool air won’t pick up dust mites or dander that happen to be floating in your ductwork. The technician who works on your HVAC system can also check for signs of mold growth, which can also trigger asthma symptoms.
Schedule a duct cleaning every year, so your air ducts are spreading healthy air throughout the year.
2. Keep soft surfaces clean.
If your allergy symptoms don’t get better when you are inside, the problem might be on soft surfaces. It’s easy for dust and dirt to get caught in carpets, pillowcases, curtains, and other parts of your home. Even if you keep a clean home, you could have irritants in your house as soon as your kids run in from the outside.
To lessen seasonal allergies, step up your cleaning checklist during the worst months. Keeping your living space clean is essential to preventing bad allergic reactions.
3. Look for sources of moisture.
Homeowners quickly learn how damaging moisture can be in your home. A leak can weak out your floors and cause internal damage to your walls. Moisture can also cause mold to grow, creating respiratory issues and asthma attacks. Even if your home is spotless, high humidity levels can turn your home into a breeding ground for mold spores that create musky odors in your rooms.
When you schedule HVAC maintenance, ask the technician to evaluate your home for signs of mold growth. They can also recommend some ventilation options to reduce the humidity in your space.
4. Try to contain pet hair.
Most pet owners know that pet hair is a part of life when you have a cat or dog. Your beloved fur babies sit all over the house, curling up on your bed and tracking in dirt from the outside. However, your pets could bring in irritants that trigger your allergies.
Set aside time to brush and bathe your pet regularly during peak allergy season. You can also wipe them down with a damp cloth after you let them outside.
5. Eliminate pests.
Pests are also a significant source of allergies. Bugs carry diseases and shed skin cells, just like humans. They also leave behind waste which then travels through the air. This isn’t something most people want to think about, but bugs could be a source of indoor allergies.
Take steps as a homeowner to schedule regular pest control. This will keep the creepy-crawlies out of your home and out of your air.
If you have spring allergies, do everything you can to keep dust and pet dander under control. Schedule regular duct cleaning to make sure your HVAC unit is spreading fresh air. Also, identify the source of allergens or mold, including on soft surfaces like your bed. These steps can help you breathe easier this spring.
