Tips and Tricks for Surviving Allergy Season
It’s officially here—the time of year when flowers bloom, birds chirp, and noses run like faucets. For those with allergies or hay fever, this season can be unbearable. But fear not, there are ways to beat allergy season and enjoy the great outdoors (or even indoors) without the sneezing, coughing, and itching. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the most common in-home allergens, how to overcome allergies and hay fever, and the role of HVAC maintenance in allergy season.
Know Your Allergens
The first step in beating allergy season is knowing what you’re allergic to. Common allergens include pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander. These allergens can be found both indoors and outdoors, and their levels can vary depending on where you live, the time of year, and the weather conditions. To identify your allergens, you can undergo allergy testing, which involves a skin prick test or a blood test. Once you know your allergens, you can take steps to avoid them or reduce your exposure to them.
What You Can Do to Manage Allergy Symptoms
Now that you know your allergens, it’s time to take action. Here are some tips for overcoming allergies and hay fever:
Avoid allergens: If you’re allergic to pollen, stay indoors when the pollen count is high, close windows and doors, and use air conditioning. If you’re allergic to dust mites, wash bedding in hot water, use mite-proof covers on mattresses and pillows, and vacuum and dust regularly.
Use over-the-counter medications: Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops can help alleviate allergy symptoms. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best option for you.
Try natural remedies: Some natural remedies, such as local honey, probiotics, and saline nasal irrigation, may help reduce allergy symptoms. However, it’s important to discuss any natural remedies with your healthcare provider before trying them.
Keep your home clean: Vacuum and dust regularly to reduce dust and mold.
Keep pets off of furniture: Pet dander can accumulate on furniture and exacerbate allergies. Encourage your pets to sleep in their own bed or designated area.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially during allergy season, to reduce the spread of allergens.
The Role of HVAC Maintenance in Allergy Season
Your heating and air system plays a critical role in reducing in-home allergens during allergy season. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system can help with this. Here are some HVAC tips for beating allergy season:
Change air filters regularly: Air filters trap dust, pollen, and other allergens. Make sure to change your air filter every 1-3 months, depending on your system, location, and how many pets you have in the home.
Schedule a professional cleaning: Have your HVAC system professionally cleaned and serviced to ensure that it’s running efficiently and effectively in reducing in-home allergens.
Consider an air purification system: An air purification system can further reduce in-home allergens by trapping particles as small as 0.3 microns. Consult with your HVAC professional to determine the best option for your home.
Allergy season doesn’t have to be a time of misery. By knowing your allergens and taking steps to avoid or reduce exposure to them, practicing good hygiene, and maintaining your HVAC system, you can beat allergy season and enjoy the great outdoors (or indoors) with ease. Don’t let allergies hold you back from living life to the fullest!
Call Our HVAC Experts for Help
Don’t suffer through allergy season with poor indoor air quality. The team at Gibson’s Heating & Plumbing, Inc. can help you tackle it and survive this allergy season! Contact us today: (260) 667-9919 .
