Hey there, fellow Ohio residents! As the warmer days roll in, so does the dreaded allergy season. This is because Ohio’s diverse climate and landscape bring about a mix of airborne irritants that can trigger hay fever and other pesky allergies. But don’t be discouraged; you’re not alone in this constant battle! Many of us deal with these seasonal allergies, too. So, let Chillicothe Heating & Cooling share some tips and tricks to help fortify your home and personal space against those notorious pollen, dust, and other triggers. Let’s tackle this spring season head-on together!
LET’S TALK ABOUT HAY FEVER SYMPTOMS
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, can cause symptoms that are similar to those of a common cold. However, it’s important to note that these symptoms are not caused by a virus. Instead, they are triggered by an allergic response when you come into contact with indoor or outdoor allergens. Here are some of 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
LET’S TALK ABOUT OHIO’S LANDSCAPE
Fun Fact: March 19th marks the first day of spring in 2024.
Understanding the culprits is the first step to building your defense against them. In Ohio, allergy season mainly hits in the spring and fall. You know, that’s when ragweed, trees, and grasses go into full-on pollination mode, filling the air with pesky pollens. And let us tell you, it can get pretty intense. Plus, Ohio’s got some unique geography going on. With all the lakes, rivers, and extensive farmlands, there’s a wide range of factors that can really aggravate allergies. From mold spores in the damp Ohio River Valley to the dust and grime that the wind likes to spread around in the flat farming country, it’s an interesting environmental mix.
LET’S TALK ABOUT PRACTICAL HOME SOLUTIONS
Don’t forget that it’s not just the fields and forests that can trigger your watery eyes and itchy throat. Indoor allergens can be just as pesky! Our homes are full of pet dander, dust mites, and mold, which can contribute to allergies all year round. Even your bedroom, living room, and kitchen can be hotspots for these irritants. So, be mindful and take steps to keep your indoor environment allergen-free!
1. Regular Dusting: How about creating and sticking to a weekly dusting schedule? You can use a damp cloth or a microfiber duster that actually picks up the dust instead of just moving it around. Oh, and don’t forget to tackle those tricky spots like ceiling fan blades and shelves, too!
2. Regular Vacuuming: Make sure you’re using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to catch those tiny particles! And don’t forget to give the high-traffic areas a good vacuuming at least twice a week. On top of that, don’t forget to vacuum your upholstered furniture as well.
3. Regular Washing of Curtains and Drapes: These can become collection spots for dust and dander, so it’s a good idea to wash or vacuum curtains or drapes every few months. Also, try to let some sunlight in to freshen things up and keep dampness at bay.
4. Regular Washing of Bedding: It’s important to regularly wash all of your bedding, blankets, and bed sheets.
5. Regular Changing of Air Filters: Keeping your HVAC system clean and running smoothly is super important when it comes to 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.
Think about it: Hay fever affects about 1 in 5 people at least once in their lifetime!
LET’S TALK ABOUT HELPFUL PROFESSIONAL SOLUTIONS
Sometimes, when you have severe allergies or respiratory issues, or if you live in an area with heavy pollution, the standard home remedies just don’t cut it. That’s when it’s worth considering professional-grade solutions to keep your home a safe haven with good indoor air quality.
Consider these professional solutions:
Schedule a Duct Cleaning – Duct cleanings are a great option to help with allergens. They reduce dust and other dormant contaminants in your home, which can be super helpful, you know? And if you live in a particularly humid environment, a duct cleaning can really make a difference. See, when mold spores get into the air, they end up circulating throughout your home, messing with the air quality. But a duct cleaning can help stop that from happening, getting rid of mold spores and other unwanted airborne particles. As a plus, you don’t really need to get your ductwork professionally cleaned very often. Every 3-5 years is usually a good rule of thumb!
Consider Getting an iWave – The iWave air purifier is an amazing whole-home purification system that works seamlessly with your HVAC system. It uses a cutting-edge, needle-point bi-polar ionization generator to capture and eliminate allergens, pathogens, and pollutants from your home’s air. Plus, it helps get rid of those unpleasant odors, reduces dust buildup, and creates healthier air quality overall. And guess what? It can even help extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. The best part is that the iWave is low-maintenance and operates silently, so you can enjoy pure air in every room without any hassle.
Use a Whole-home Dehumidifier – Mold loves damp and warm environments, and with Ohio’s summers and river valleys, it can often provide the perfect combination for allergens to thrive. However, dehumidifiers are not just about reducing moisture. They can also improve the air you breathe by keeping humidity levels low and help with musty odors!
Install a Smart Thermostat – Did you know that having a smart thermostat can actually help improve your home’s IAQ? These smart devices can keep an eye on humidity levels and give you a heads-up if they get too high or low. They can even remind you when it’s time to change your HVAC air filter! Which is a great benefit in between the hustle and bustle of life.
If you’re interested in adding any of these beneficial components to your home or need to schedule a ductwork cleaning service, just give us a call! Remember, a breathable, allergen-free home is within reach. It all starts with understanding, identifying, and effectively combating these microscopic intruders. So, let’s get started!
Call Chillicothe Heating & Cooling today at (740) 281-2186, or click here to schedule an appointment now! We’d be more than happy to assist you on your journey to breathing easier in your own home!