With spring in full drive, the songbirds are out, bees are buzzing and flowers are beginning to bloom. Unfortunately, this means springtime allergies are nearing their peak, as well, making things miserable for those who are allergic to pollen and mold. The good news is that there are a few things you can do at home to reduce allergy symptoms. Here are five ways to fight springtime allergies:
- Change your A/C air filter. Choose a high-quality filter and replace it often to keep many common allergens from circulating freely through your house. This also will boost the efficiency of your HVAC system. On the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) scale, you’ll want to find a filter with at least an 8 rating.
- Close windows and doors. Though it can be tempting to let the breeze flow through your home in the spring, pollen likely will come with it and settle in the house. Use fans instead, especially during peak pollen hours.
- Try a dehumidifier. If you can’t seem to keep the house dry during the rainy, warmer weather, and are noticing mold spots or a musty smell, you might need to invest in a whole-house dehumidifier to balance humidity levels and deter mold growth.
- Clean often. Avoid decorating with items that catch dust particles, and don’t bring cut flowers into the house. Vacuuming frequently can cut down on allergens in the home significantly, particularly if you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Be sure to also wipe down surfaces with a cloth that will trap the particles, rather than just move them around.
- Install a whole-house air purifier. If you find that your home is triggering allergy symptoms even with routine cleaning and HVAC filter changes, you may need to go a step further and consider a whole-house air-cleaning system. Whole-house air cleaners can be installed as independent units, or as part of your existing HVAC system, and are the most effective way to rid your home of harmful allergens.
If you’re interested in more information about air filtration and other ways to protect your Indianapolis area home from allergens, contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Brownsburg, Indiana and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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