Preparing for allergy season can be an uphill battle for many people who suffer from severe allergies. That’s because any time of year can be “allergy season” for those who are irritated by dust, pet dander, or pollutants. While the pollen that comes with Spring is often brings the worst wave of allergens, staying indoors is no way to avoid the problem. Instead, if you are suffering from allergies or trying to prevent them, these tips will help you stay healthy.
#1 Change Your HVAC Filters Regularly
Keeping your windows closed is the first step to blocking external allergens from getting in, but that alone won’t stop allergens from building up inside your home. In fact, keeping your windows closed can just mean poor ventilation, which is the same scenario that often causes city apartments to have worse air quality levels than the outdoors. If you are just trapping pollutants and allergens inside, they will have nowhere to go and your allergies may just get worse.
So, the second part of the equation requires proper ventilation and, more than that, proper filtration. That’s right, if you aren’t changing your HVAC filters regularly, you are just going to cause a buildup of allergens in your home, where they can wreak havoc on your sinuses all night long. To prevent that, be certain that you following the tips set forth by Air Excellence Heating and Air Conditioning to keep your systems clean.
#2 Wash Your Bedding Weekly
Any soft fibers within your home are going to help collect dust, dirt, pet dander, and other things that can worsen your allergies. So, you need to be washing them regularly. This includes your bed sheets, which are among the easiest of your home’s soft fibers to wash.
If you aren’t already, use a hypoallergenic mattress protector to ensure that your mattress isn’t collecting allergens itself. Just wash the protector every so often to prevent buildup and keep your bedding fresh. Likewise, for things that you can’t wash easily (like your couch), you might consider getting washable covers or perhaps upgrading to a set that isn’t prone to collections, such as vinyl or leathers.
#3 Dehumidify Your Home
Not only does humidity make your home feel hotter and more muggy, but also the humidity can present a welcoming environment for the buildup of mold spores, mildew, and dust mites. So, using a dehumidifier can help kill allergens within your home in a way that’s not disruptive to your daily life. Dehumidifiers run efficiently and quietly, so you’re unlikely to even notice them around until you realize how much easier you’re breathing.
Breathe Easy
By taking these steps, you can breathe easy year-round without allergens keeping you down. Follow the above tips and your home will be your allergen-free safe haven in no time at all, even as the spring coats everything in pollen.
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