For many folks in Ohio, warmer days also mean the dreaded allergy season kicks in. Being right in the heart of the Midwest, Ohio’s diverse climate and landscape brings a mix of pesky irritants that can trigger hay fever and other annoying allergy symptoms. If you’re battling these inconvenient allergens, know that you’re not alone! Many Ohioans deal with seasonal allergies, too. Today, let Centerville Heating & Cooling share some tips and tricks to help you shield your home and personal space from the notorious pollen, dust, and other triggers.
Symptoms of Hay Fever:
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, can make you feel like you have a common cold. But instead of being caused by a virus, it’s actually triggered by an allergic reaction to indoor or outdoor allergens. 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
Ohio’s Landscape:
Fun fact: March 19th is the first day of spring in 2024!
Knowing the culprits is the first step to defending yourself against them. Allergy season in Ohio mainly hits in the spring and fall, when ragweed, trees, and grasses go into overdrive and fill the air with pollen. Plus, Ohio’s unique geography, with its lakes, rivers, and vast farmlands, adds to the mix of factors that can worsen allergies. From mold spores in the damp Ohio River Valley to the dust and grime that the wind carries across the flat farming country.
Easy Home Solutions:
Just a friendly reminder that it’s not just the great outdoors that can trigger your watery eyes and itchy throat. Indoor allergens can be just as powerful. Pet dander, dust mites, and mold love to hang out in our homes, causing year-round allergies. So, keep an eye out in your bedroom, living room, and kitchen – they can be hotspots for these irritants.
Check out these super easy and effective household tips to reduce indoor allergen triggers:
1. Showering: For individuals with severe allergies, it is advisable to promptly shower outdoors after an extended period. Cleansing your body of pollen and particles as soon as possible helps reduce the likelihood of allergen particles being brought inside your home and further triggering your allergies.
2. Dusting: Make sure you have a weekly dusting routine on lock! Grab a damp cloth or a microfiber duster that actually gets rid of the dust instead of just pushing 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 pesky little particles, and make sure to vacuum high-traffic areas at least twice a week. Oh, and don’t forget to give your upholstered furniture a good vacuuming, too!
4. Washing Curtains and Drapes: These can become havens for dust and dander. Make sure to wash or vacuum curtains or drapes every few months and try to let in sunlight to get rid of any dampness.
5. Washing Bedding: It’s absolutely essential to wash all bedding, blankets, and bed sheets regularly. No exceptions!
6. Changing Air Filters: Keeping your HVAC system clean and efficient is super important for managing indoor air quality (IAQ). Don’t forget that high-efficiency air filters are your first line of defense! Remember to change them as recommended, usually every 30 to 60 days, especially during periods of heavy use.
Did you know that one in five people are affected by hay fever at least once in their lives?
Helpful Professional Solutions:
Sometimes, when it comes to allergies, respiratory issues, or living in a pollution-prone area, standard home remedies just don’t cut it. It might be worth considering professional-grade solutions to keep your home a safe haven with great indoor air quality.
Here are a few options to consider:
Get a Duct Cleaning – Duct cleanings are awesome for tackling allergens by getting rid of dust and other pesky contaminants lurking in your home. They also come in handy in humid environments. You see when mold spores get released into the air, they spread all over your house, messing with your indoor air quality. But fear not! A duct cleaning can help eliminate and prevent the spread of mold spores and other unwanted airborne stuff. The best part? You don’t need to get your ductwork professionally cleaned too often. Usually, every 3-5 years is a good rule of thumb!
Get a Whole-Home Air Purifier – The iWave air purifier is a super advanced whole-home purification system that works seamlessly with your HVAC system. It uses a cutting-edge, needle-point bi-polar ionization generator to nab and zap allergens, pathogens, and pollutants from your home’s air. Plus, it’s great at eliminating funky odors, reducing dust buildup, and promoting healthier air quality overall. And get this: it even helps extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. The iWave is a low-maintenance, whisper-quiet solution that teams up with your existing HVAC system to make sure every room gets a breath of fresh air.
Get a Whole-Home Dehumidifier – Mold loves damp and warm environments, and Ohio’s summers and river valleys provide just the right conditions for it to grow. A dehumidifier not only reduces moisture but also does wonders for air quality by keeping humidity levels low. Plus, with a whole-home dehumidifier, you can even say goodbye to musty odors! Investing in a whole-home dehumidifier that covers the square footage of your home’s most used areas is definitely something to consider for better indoor air quality.
Get a Smart Thermostat – Having a smart thermostat can actually help improve your home’s IAQ! These nifty devices can keep an eye on humidity levels and give you a heads-up if it needs some attention. Plus, they’ll remind you when it’s time to change your HVAC air filter.
If you’re interested in adding any of these awesome components to your home or need to schedule a ductwork cleaning service, just give us a call. Remember, you can create a breathable, allergen-free home by understanding, identifying, and effectively combating these microscopic intruders. It’s within your reach!
Call Centerville Heating & Cooling today at (937) 353-1169 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!
