March 19th marks the start of spring this year! Along with warmer weather and beautiful flowers, many Ohio residents also experience seasonal allergies during this time. Commonly known as hay fever, allergies can cause various unpleasant symptoms that are uncomfortable for many. If you’re one of the many people in Ohio dealing with allergies, here are some practical solutions from Springboro Heating & Cooling to help you combat allergens in your home.
Understand the Symptoms of Hay Fever:
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is Ohio’s most common allergy. It occurs when your immune system reacts excessively to allergens such as pollen, resulting in the release of histamines and causing allergy symptoms. These symptoms can range in severity and last for weeks or even months. Some common hay fever symptoms include:
· Sneezing
· Runny or congested nose
· Itchy and watery eyes
· Coughing
· Fatigue and irritability
Depending on your sensitivity to allergens, you may experience one or more of these symptoms. In severe cases, allergies can interfere with daily activities and significantly impact your quality of life.
Know Why the Geography Triggers Allergies:
To understand why Ohio experiences high pollen and allergy levels, it’s crucial to consider its diverse landscape. With a mix of urban areas, farmland, forests, lakes, and rivers, Ohio is home to various plants and trees that produce pollen. This diversity leads to a longer allergy season, typically lasting from February to November. Throughout the year, different types of pollen are released due to environmental factors, exacerbating allergies.
Here are some common allergens found in Ohio:
· Tree Pollen: Pollen from trees like oak, maple, birch, cedar, pine, and hickory can trigger allergies, especially in spring.
· Grass Pollen: Grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, timothy grass, and Bermuda grass release pollen, leading to allergies, particularly in late spring and early summer.
· Weed Pollen: Ragweed is a major weed in Ohio that produces abundant pollen in late summer and early fall, causing allergies for many people.
· Mold Spores: Mold spores are a common allergen in Ohio. Mold can grow on decaying vegetation, leaves, and other organic matter.
Home Solutions to Fight Off Allergens:
While it may not be possible to completely prevent allergies, there are practical solutions you can use at home to reduce the impact of allergens. Here are a few sugg
1. Vacuum regularly using a HEPA filter to remove allergens from carpets and furniture.
2. Wash your bedding and curtains regularly in hot water to eliminate pollen and other allergens.
3. Shower immediately after coming indoors to wash off any pollen or allergens you may have picked up outside.
4. Dust frequently, paying extra attention to areas like bookshelves and surfaces that tend to collect dust.
5. Change your air filters regularly (every 1-2 months) to prevent allergens from circulating in your home.
6. Keep your doors and windows closed during peak allergy season (spring & summer.)
Here’s an Interesting Fact: Did you know that hay fever affects approximately 1 in 5 people during their lifetime?
Professional Solutions to Fight Off Allergens:
Incorporating practical home solutions into your daily life is the best way to find immediate relief. However, there may be situations where professional solutions or services are necessary. Here are a few suggestions to consider:
A Whole-home Purifier – A whole-home air purification system, such as the iWave, can be installed in your HVAC system to continuously clean and purify the air in your home. It uses advanced ionization technology to reduce allergens, bacteria, viruses, and other particles that can trigger allergies and respiratory issues.
A Whole-home Dehumidifier – If you’re dealing with excessive moisture in your home, we know how frustrating this can be. High humidity levels can create the perfect breeding ground for allergens like mold. So, installing a whole-home dehumidifier can help reduce moisture in your home, making it less suitable for these types of allergens.
A Smart Thermostat – A smart thermostat can help you monitor humidity levels in your home. It can also notify you when your air filters could benefit from being changed. Sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget about small chores like this, so this is most definitely a helpful feature.
A Ductwork Cleaning – According to the EPA, indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. This pollution includes allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and mold spores that can accumulate in your home’s ductwork. Having your air ducts professionally cleaned can improve the overall air quality in your home and reduce allergy symptoms. Plus, you typically only need to have this service done every three to five years.
Are you interested in any of these options? Feel free to give us a call to discuss which one may be the best fit for you, your family, and your home!
Allergies are a common problem for many. However, with these practical solutions, you can minimize their impact on your daily life. Enjoy springtime without constant suffering. Take control of your allergies today, and remember to contact us for all your HVAC air quality needs.
Count on Springboro Heating & Cooling for anything HVAC-related! Call us today at (937) 600-6834, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
