For many Ohio peeps, warmer days signal the start of the anticipated allergy season. Due to Ohio’s diverse climate and landscape bringing a mix of irritants and allergens in the air that cantrigger hay fever and other pesky allergy woes, it can be a dreaded time for many. If you’re battling these annoying allergens, know that you’re not alone! Many Ohioans suffer from seasonal allergies. So today, let Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling provide you with some tips to fortify your home against pollen, dust, and other triggers that can certainly ruin your spring season.
What Is Hay Fever?
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, gives you symptoms that are similar to a common cold. Here are some typical 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
What Do You Need to Know About the Ohio Allergen Landscape?
Fun Fact: The 1st day of spring 2024 is on March 19th.
Knowing the source behind your allergen triggers is the first step to defending against them. Ohio’s allergy season mainly hits in the spring and fall, thanks to the massive pollination of ragweed, trees, and grasses. During these times, there’s a high presence of airborne pollens. 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 spreads in the flat farming country, it’s a challenging environment to deal with.
Spot and Combat Common Allergens with Home Solutions:
Don’t forget that while it’s easy to blame the fields and forests for your watery eyes and itchy throat; indoor allergens can be just as pesky. Our homes are home to pet dander, dust mites, and mold, which can cause year-round allergies. Even our bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens can become hotspots for these irritants. So, here are some simple yet effective household tips to help you reduce those indoor allergen triggers:
· Showers: If you have severe allergies, it’s a good idea to shower right after spending a long time outside. Washing away any pollen or particles from your body as soon as possible can help reduce the chances of allergens being brought inside and causing further triggers in your home. Dust: Make sure you have a weekly dusting schedule in place. 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 take care of those hard-to-reach spots like ceiling fan blades
· Vacuum: Grab a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap those pesky little particles. Make sure to hit high-traffic spots at least twice a week.
· Curtains and Drapes: These can be havens for dust and dander. Wash or vacuum curtains and drapes every few months, and try to let in some sunlight to freshen things up.
· Bedding: It’s important to keep up with regular washing of curtains, blankets, and bed sheets. Gotta keep things clean and fresh!
· 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. Remember to change them as recommended, usually every 30 to 60 days, especially during periods of heavy use.
Did you know that hay fever affects 1 in 5 people at least once in their lifetime?
Spot and Combat Common Allergens with Professional Solutions:
Before you close this out, just remember that hopping on the modern technology train can be your way to an almost allergen-free home. Professional services and smart devices can bring convenience and top-notch air purification to the table. Here are a couple of options to consider:
· Duct Cleaning – Getting a duct cleaning is a smart move to tackle allergens by reducing dust and other contaminants lurking in your home. It’s also a great solution for humid environments. See, when mold spores get released into the air, they can spread throughout your entire space, messing with your indoor air quality (IAQ). But a duct cleaning can put an end to that by eliminating and preventing the dispersal of mold spores and other unwanted airborne stuff. And here’s the best part: you don’t have to get your ductwork professionally cleaned too often. Generally, every 3-5 years is a good rule of thumb!
· The iWave – The iWave air purifier is like a superhero for your home! It’s a top-notch whole-home purification system that teams up with your HVAC system. Using its high-tech needle-point bi-polar ionization generator, it captures and zaps away allergens, pathogens, and pollutants from your air. Plus, it kicks unpleasant odors to the curb, reduces dust buildup, and gives you healthier air quality. It even helps extend the life of your HVAC system. The best part? It’s low-maintenance and super quiet, working seamlessly with your existing HVAC system to make every room a breath of fresh air.
· A Whole-home Dehumidifier – Mold loves damp and warm environments, and Ohio’s summers and river valleys can be perfect for its growth. A dehumidifier not only reduces moisture but also does wonders for air quality by keeping humidity levels low. Plus, a whole-home dehumidifier can even help get rid of those musty smells! Investing in a whole-home dehumidifier that covers the square footage of your home’s most used areas is a smart move for improving your home’s IAQ.
· A Smart Thermostat – Did you know that having a smart thermostat can actually help improve the air quality in your home? These smart thermostats can keep an eye on the humidity levels and let you know if it’s getting too high or low. Plus, they’ll even give you a heads-up when it’s time to change your HVAC air filter.
If you’re interested in adding any of these helpful components to your home or if you’d like to schedule a duct cleaning service, just give us a call. We’d be more than happy to assist you on your journey to breathing easier in your own home!
Improve your indoor air quality and breathe easy with these helpful tips. You have the power to control your indoor environment. As we finish discussing home allergens, our aim is to give you the knowledge and practical solutions you need. Remember, a breathable, allergen-free home is achievable by understanding, identifying, and effectively combating these tiny intruders.
Breathe easy with the expertise of Fairfield-Hamilton Heating & Cooling! Call us today at (513) 540-1716, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
