Along with April showers and May flowers comes itchy, sneezy spring allergy season. If you’re someone who feels the effect of the new-found pollen in the air, here are seven ways your home can be a respite from spring allergens.
- Keep Your Windows Closed
Although it’s tempting to let the warm air in and shut off your AC as a money-saving technique, this may be a major contributor to allergy symptoms. Simply put, the spring breeze is bringing pollen into your home along with it. Keeping your windows closed keeps the clean air circulating inside your home. Keep your AC on the “recirculation” mode to reuse air inside your house and keep the pollen-infested air out.
- Change your air filters
Be sure to change your air filters often to prevent dust buildup and other irritants. Chose air filters that have a small particle or HEPA filter.
- Get your Spring Cleaning Done Early
Deep clean of your home before the spring season to get rid of any potential bacteria that could worsen your allergy symptoms. Simply wiping down countertops and other surfaces can make all the difference, along with steam cleaning rugs and curtains to rid of pollen that’s been tracked in on shoes. Make sure to also dust off your ceiling fans and lights to prevent dust from being spread around your house. Washing clothes frequently can reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks its way into the house.
- Treat your bedding
You spend a good amount in your bed, make sure it is not adding to your allergies. Encase pillows and mattresses in dust-mite-proof covers. Wash your sheets and blankets once a week in hot water. And consider using synthetic materials instead of feather bedding.
- Make sure windows and doors have tight seals
Pollen can sneak into your home through small gaps in your windows and doors. Check your window casement and door frames for signs of pollen. Leaky, ill-fitting doors and windows can also cause mold to grow inside your home’s walls. Caulk gaps where possible and consider window and door replacements for damaged windows and doors.
- Keep the temperature steady
Humidity provides a breeding ground for dust mites and mold. Set your programmable thermostat to 68-72 degrees and keep your home’s relative humidity to no higher than 50 percent.
- Vacuum with an allergy-friendly vacuum
It’s not enough just to vacuum once a week. Some machines actually launch dust particles into the air instead of trapping them. Check out this resource to find Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America certified vacuums.
Controlling Allergies & Asthma In Your Home
Controlling allergies and asthma can begin at home. Improving your home’s air quality, eliminating mold from the home and controlling dust mites are easy steps to easing your spring allergies.
Thompson Creek can help with your allergy relief. Our experts can replace your home’s ill-fitting doors and windows keep mold growth at bay. Call us today for a free estimate.