Did you know that March 19th marks the first day of spring this year? While we all look forward to warmer weather and beautiful flowers, it also means that seasonal spring allergies are on the horizon for many Ohio residents. These unpleasant allergy symptoms are commonly referred to as hay fever. But don’t worry! If you’re one of the seasonal allergy sufferers, we’ve got some practical solutions from Washington Court House Heating & Cooling to help you combat those pesky allergens in your home.
The Symptoms
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis as it’s formally known, is actually the most common type of allergy here in Ohio. It happens when your immune system goes a bit overboard and reacts strongly to things like pollen, which then triggers those pesky allergy symptoms. It’s definitely not fun to deal with! Moreover, symptoms can range from mild to severe and can last for weeks or even months.
Some common hay fever symptoms include:
· Sneezing
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Itchy eyes, mouth, throat, or skin
· Ear congestion
· Postnasal drip
If you’re having these symptoms regularly in spring and summer, chances are you’ve got hay fever from allergens in Ohio.
The Landscape
Before we dive into the issue of allergens, let’s take a moment to understand why Ohio has such high pollen and allergy levels. You see, Ohio’s landscape is quite diverse, with urban areas, farmland, forests, lakes, and rivers – each with its own set of plants and trees that produce pollen. And as if that wasn’t enough, this mix of environments also brings in various factors that can make allergies worse. So, throughout the year, we end up with a wide range of pollen floating around, stretching the allergy season from February all the way to November. Crazy, right?
The Types of Allergens
These include but are not limited to:
· Tree Pollen: You know, pollen from trees like oak, maple, birch, cedar, pine, and hickory can really trigger allergies, especially in the spring.
· Grass Pollen: And don’t get me started on grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, timothy grass, and Bermuda grass. They release pollen that can cause allergies, particularly in late spring and early summer.
· Weed Pollen: Now, onto ragweed! It’s a major weed in Ohio, and it produces so much pollen in late summer and early fall.
· Mold Spores: Mold spores are another allergen to watch out for. They’re a common allergen in Ohio and can grow on decaying vegetation, leaves, and other organic matter.
Home Solutions
Allergies can be quite tricky to prevent completely, but there are some practical solutions you can try at home to minimize the impact of allergens:
1. Keep your windows closed during peak pollen season (typically spring and summer). It can make a big difference!
2. Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter to remove allergens from carpets and furniture. It’s a simple way to keep your home allergen-free.
3. Wash your bedding and curtains regularly in hot water to remove pollen and other allergens.
4. Shower immediately after coming in from the outdoors so that any pollen or allergens stuck on you are washed off right away. Stay fresh and allergy-free!
5. Dust frequently, paying special attention to areas such as bookshelves and other surfaces that collect dust.
6. Change your air filters regularly to prevent the circulation of allergens in your home. Every 1-2 months is a good rule of thumb to go by.
Here’s an interesting fact for you: Did you know that hay fever affects about 1 out of 5 people in their lifetime?
Professional Solutions
When it comes to finding relief for immediate needs, incorporating practical home solutions into your daily life is the way to go. However, there might be times when exploring professional solutions or services becomes necessary. Here are a few suggestions you might want to consider:
Thinking about getting a whole-home purifier? With a whole-home air purification system (such as the iWave), you can have clean and fresh air in your home all the time. It’s installed to work in conjunction with your HVAC system and uses advanced ionization technology to reduce allergens, bacteria, viruses, and other particles that can cause allergies and respiratory problems.
Thinking about getting a whole-home dehumidifier? When humidity levels are high, it creates the perfect environment for allergens to thrive. By installing a whole-home dehumidifier, you can reduce the moisture in your home and make it less friendly for allergens to thrive.
Thinking about getting a smart thermostat? Did you know that a smart thermostat can actually help you keep the humidity levels in your home in check? This is because most smart thermostats will notify you when the humidity is too high in your home, which will prompt you to take action to fix it. On top of that, a smart thermostat can notify you to change your air filters when they are full as well. Pretty handy, right?
Think About Getting a Duct Cleaning? Did you know that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air? Allergens like pollen, dust mites, and mold spores can build up in your home’s ductwork, affecting the air quality. But here’s the good news: getting your air ducts professionally cleaned can make a huge difference! Not only will it improve the overall air quality in your home, but it can also help reduce unwanted contaminants and allergens. And the best part? You typically only need to have this service done every three to five years.
Are any of these options catching your interest? Just give us a call, and we can chat about what might be the best fit for you, your family, and your home!
By understanding what causes allergies and recognizing their symptoms, you can take control. Try implementing some home remedies or even seek professional help if needed. Don’t let allergies ruin your springtime! And hey, if you need any assistance with your HVAC air quality, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’ve got you covered!
Count on Washington Court House Heating & Cooling for anything HVAC-related! Call us today at (740) 281-5312, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
