Spring officially starts on March 19th of this year! But don’t forget that in addition to welcoming warmer weather and blossoming flowers, it also ushers in seasonal allergies for many residents of Ohio. It’s a dreaded time for many as allergies can trigger unpleasant symptoms, commonly referred to as hay fever. So, if you are currently dealing with seasonal allergies or are anticipating their arrival, here are some practical solutions provided by Mason Heating & Air to help you in your efforts to combat allergens in your home.
Do You Know Why Ohio’s Landscape Causes Allergies?
First of all, it helps to know why allergies are prominent. Ohio truly has a diverse landscape that greatly contributes to pollen and allergen distribution throughout the area. For instance, Ohio has urban areas, farmland, forests, lakes, and rivers, each of which hosts a variety of plants and trees that produce pollen. On top of that, this diverse range of environmental factors contributes to the extension of the allergy season, typically spanning from February to November. So, if you’re an allergy sufferer, it may actually feel like a never-ending time for you. Keep reading for some practical solutions!
Do You Know the Symptoms of Hay Fever?
Now, let’s talk a bit more about hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis. It is the most common type of allergy in Ohio. It occurs when your immune system reacts excessively to allergens such as pollen, leading to the release of histamines that trigger allergy symptoms. These symptoms can vary in severity and may persist for several weeks or even months.
Do You Know the Common Symptoms of hay fever?
· Sneezing
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Itchy eyes, mouth, throat or skin
· Ear congestion
· Postnasal drip
If you frequently experience these symptoms during the spring and summer, it is likely that you have hay fever caused by allergens in Ohio.
Do You Know the Types of Allergens Found in Ohio?
These services encompass a wide range of options, ensuring that all your needs are met and exceeded.
· Mold Spores: Mold spores are a common allergen in Ohio. Mold can grow on decaying vegetation, leaves, and other organic matter.
· Weed Pollen: Ragweed, a major weed in Ohio, produces abundant pollen in late summer and early fall, causing allergies for many people.
· Grass Pollen: Grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, timothy grass, and Bermuda grass release pollen, leading to allergies, particularly in late spring and early summer.
· Tree Pollen: Pollen from trees like oak, maple, birch, cedar, pine, and hickory can cause allergies, especially during springtime.
Do You Know How to Combat Allergens Using Practical Home Solutions?
While it may not be possible to completely eradicate allergies, there are practical solutions you can implement at home to minimize the impact of allergens.
1. Ensure your windows are closed during peak pollen season, typically in spring and summer.
2. Regularly vacuum using a HEPA filter to effectively remove allergens from carpets and furniture.
3. Wash your bedding and curtains frequently with hot water to eliminate pollen and other allergens.
4. Take a shower immediately after spending time outdoors to rinse off any pollen or allergens that may be on your body.
5. Dust regularly, especially on surfaces like bookshelves that tend to accumulate dust.
6. Change your air filters regularly to prevent the circulation of allergens in your home. It’s generally recommended to do this every 1-2 months.
Something to Think About: Did you know that Hay Fever affects approximately 1 in 5 individuals during their lifetime? Who knew?!
Do You Know How to Combat Allergens Using Recommended Professional Solutions?
Implementing practical home solutions is the best way to provide immediate relief. However, there may be instances where professional solutions or services are required. Here are a few suggestions to consider:
What About a Whole-Home Purifier? To ensure continuous air cleaning and purification, consider installing a whole-home air purification system. For example, the iWave home purification system utilizes advanced ionization technology, effectively reducing allergens, bacteria, viruses, and other particles that can cause respiratory problems and allergies. Experience cleaner and healthier air with this reliable solution.
What About a Whole-Home Dehumidifier? High humidity levels can create an ideal breeding ground for allergens such as mold. To make your home less appealing to these allergens, consider installing a whole-home dehumidifier. It helps reduce moisture and keeps unwanted airborne particles like mold spores at bay.
What About a Smart Thermostat? A smart thermostat is a valuable tool for monitoring humidity levels in your home. Additionally, most smart thermostats will notify you if your air filter needs to be changed. This is quite a handy feature in our opinion!
What About a Professional Duct Cleaning? Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air, as stated by the EPA. This pollution includes allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, etc., that can accumulate in your home’s ductwork. To enhance the air quality in your home and alleviate allergy symptoms, it is recommended you schedule a professional air duct cleaning every three to five years.
If any of these options catch your interest, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We would be more than happy to have a conversation with you and help you determine the best fit for you, your family, and your home!
By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the causes and symptoms of allergies and implementing effective remedies both at home and with professional assistance, you can enjoy the spring season without enduring constant discomfort. Take charge of your allergies today, and don’t hesitate to contact us for all your HVAC air quality requirements. We are here to provide the expertise and support you need for a healthier home environment.
Count on Mason Heating & Air for anything HVAC-related! Call us today at (513) 496-2477, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
