For many folks in Ohio, the arrival of warmer days also means the start of the dreaded allergy season. Ohio’s diverse climate and landscape bring a mix of irritants that can trigger hay fever and other pesky allergies. If you’re constantly battling these inconvenient allergens, remember you’re not alone! Many Ohioans suffer from seasonal allergies. So today, let Clayton-Englewood Heating & Cooling share some tips to help you defend your home and personal space against pollen, dust, and other triggers, leaving your home a safe and comfortable haven.
Hay Fever Symptoms:
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, gives you symptoms similar to a common cold. But it’s not caused by a virus. It’s actually triggered by exposure to indoor or outdoor allergens. Here are the correlating symptoms:
- Runny and/or stuffy nose
- Watery eyes
- Itchy nose, mouth, or/and throat
- Sneezing
- Coughing and/or puffy and swollen eyelids
The Ohio Allergen Landscape:
Fun fact: Did you know that the 1st day of spring in 2024 is on March 19?
Knowing the culprits is the first step to defending yourself against them. Allergy season in Ohio mostly hits during spring and fall, when ragweed, trees, and grasses release tons of pollen into the air. And let’s not forget about Ohio’s unique geography, with its lakes, rivers, and vast farmlands, which contribute to a mix of factors that can worsen allergies. From mold spores in the damp Ohio River Valley to the dust and dirt carried by the wind in the flat farming country, it’s a recipe for aggravation.
Practical Home Solutions:
Don’t forget, even though it’s easy to blame the fields and forests for your watery eyes and itchy throat, indoor allergens can be just as powerful. Our homes are filled with pet dander, dust mites, and mold, which can cause allergies all year round. So, keep an eye out for these irritants in your bedroom, living room, and kitchen. They can be lurking in those spots!
Here are some simple yet effective household tips to cut down on indoor allergen triggers:
- Regular Dusting: Make sure to create and stick to a weekly dusting schedule using a damp cloth or a microfiber duster that won’t just shuffle the dust around. And don’t forget to take care of those hard-to-reach spots like ceiling fan blades and shelves!
- Regular Vacuuming: Make sure to use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap those pesky tiny particles. Don’t forget to give high-traffic areas a good vacuuming at least twice a week. And remember to vacuum your upholstered furniture, too!
- Regular Washing of Curtains and Drapes: These can become hoarding grounds for dust and dander. Make sure to wash or vacuum curtains or drapes every few months, and try to let in sunlight to freshen up the space.
- Regular Washing of Bedding: It’s also a good idea to put your bedding on a regular washing schedule if it’s not already. Washing all your bedding, blankets, and bed sheets regularly is a must!
- Regular Changing 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 remember to change them as recommended, usually every 30 to 60 days, especially during periods of heavy use.
Fun Fact: Interestingly enough, hay fever affects 1-5 people at least once in their lifetime.
Professional Services & Solutions:
Sometimes, the usual home remedies may not cut it, especially if you have bad allergies, respiratory problems, or live in a heavily polluted area. If you’re in Ohio, it might be worth looking into professional-grade solutions and services as well to keep your home a safe spot with great indoor air quality. Here are a few worth mentioning:
- Ductwork Cleaning – Getting your ducts cleaned is a great way to tackle allergens and reduce dust and other contaminants in your home. It can also help in humid environments by preventing the circulation of mold spores and other unwanted airborne stuff. The best part? You don’t need to hire professionals for a duct cleaning very often. A good rule of thumb is every 3-5 years! So, breathe easy and enjoy better indoor air quality!
- Whole-Home Purifiers (the iWave) – The iWave air purifier is an awesome whole-home purification system that teams up with your HVAC system. It uses a super cool needle-point bi-polar ionization generator to capture and zap allergens, pathogens, and pollutants from your home’s air. Plus, it helps get rid of nasty odors, reduces dust buildup, and creates healthier air quality overall. Bonus: it can even help prolong the life of your HVAC system. The iWave is a low-maintenance, whisper-quiet solution that works seamlessly with your existing HVAC system, making sure every room gets that pure air goodness.
- Whole-Home Dehumidifiers – Mold loves damp and warm environments, and Ohio’s summers and river valleys can be just perfect for its growth. Having 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 tackle those musty odors! Investing in a whole-home dehumidifier that covers the square footage of your home’s most used areas is definitely a smart move when it comes to improving your home’s IAQ.
- Smart Thermostats – Did you know that having a smart thermostat can actually help improve your home’s indoor air quality? It’s pretty cool how many of them can keep an eye on humidity levels and give you a heads-up if something needs attention. Plus, they can even remind you when it’s time to change your HVAC air filter. Talk about a helpful little gadget to have in the midst of our busy lives!
If you’re interested in adding any of these awesome components to your home, or if you need to schedule a ductwork cleaning service, just give us a call. We’re here to help you on your journey to breathing easier in your own home! You have the power to take charge of your indoor environment.
As we finish up our discussion on home allergens, our aim is to give you the knowledge and solutions you need. Remember, you can create a breathable, allergen-free home by understanding, identifying, and effectively fighting off these tiny intruders.
Breathe easier with Clayton-Englewood Heating & Cooling. Call us today at (937) 412-2911, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
